.ove. 

A  Romance  of 

the  Defence  of 

lucknow 


Qiarl.es 
E.Pearce 


LOVE  BESIEGED 


"Don't  leave  the  Prince.      He'll    think  it  so  rude,"  she 
whispered  sharply.  [Page  20] 


LOVE  BESIEGED 

A  ROMANCE  OF  THE  DEFENSE 
OF  LUCKNOW 


BY 

CHARLES  E.  PEARCE 

AUTHOR   OF 
'THE   BUNGALOW   UNDER   THE   LAKK,"  AND    "THE    AMAZING   DUCHESS" 


ILLUSTRATED  BY  H.  S.  DaLAY 


CHICAGO 

A.  C.  McCLURG  &  CO. 

1911 


Printed  in  Grtat  Britain 


PREFACE 

MORE  than  half-a-century  has  passed  since  the  Mutiny  of 
1857  shook  the  structure  of  our  supremacy  in  India  to 
its  very  foundations.  The  causes  of  the  disaffection,  the 
identity  of  the  actual  leaders,  the  methods  of  organisation, 
are  as  mysterious  now  as  they  were  then.  Time  has  done 
little  to  add  to  our  knowledge  of  the  native  of  India.  He 
moves  slowly  and  silently,  he  goes  about  his  avocation 
apparently  contented,  he  pays  his  taxes,  and  probably 
grumbles  less  than  the  average  Englishman.  So  long  as 
all  is  quiet,  his  rulers  do  not  trouble;  they  are  satisfied 
everything  is  well  if  nothing  is  seen.  But  the  Eastern 
nature  never  changes.  It  is  as  it  has  ever  been,  subtle, 
secret,  patient.  No  one  at  the  time  of  the  Mutiny  was  able 
to  penetrate  below  the  surface.  The  episode  of  the  greased 
cartridges  was  but  the  spark  which  ignited  the  fuse.  The 
fuse  itself  was  invisible,  the  hands  that  laid  it  unknown. 

"  Unrest  in  India  " — the  words  might  almost  be  stereo- 
typed.    From  time  to  time  a  mist  of  doubt  has  arisen,  has 
floated  across  the  horizon,  has  melted  away.     Until  two 
years  ago,  no  serious  importance  was  attached  to  simmer- 
5 


6  PREFACE 

ings  of  discontent.  The  events  of  the  past  two  years,  how- 
ever, show  that  this  "unrest"  has  entered  upon  a  new 
phase.  Western  education  and  training,  grafted  upon 
Eastern  traditions,  custom,  character,  religion,  have  intro- 
duced fresh  dangers,  the  result  of  which  no  man  can 
foresee. 

We  in  England  must  never  forget  the  fixed,  immutable 
characteristics  of  the  Indian  race.  It  is  well,  therefore, 
that  the  memory  of  the  past  should  not  be  allowed  to  die 
out.  This  end  I  have  had  in  view  in  selecting  the  Siege  of 
Lucknow  as  the  background  of  a  story  in  which  an  attempt 
has  been  made  to  picture  the  circumstances  and  conditions 
of  the  time,  the  character  and  methods  of  the  mutineers, 
the  influence  of  caste,  the  treachery  of  which  the  native  is 
capable  and  the  loyalty  which  upon  occasion  he  can  show, 
and  the  heroism,  the  fortitude,  the  unflinching  devotion  of 
the  defenders.  For  colour  I  have  gone  to  the  pages  of 
Mr  Commissioner  Gubbins,  Major  Wilson,  Colonel  Inglis, 
whose  graphic  accounts  glow  with  actuality.  Colonel  S.  P. 
Malleson  has,  in  his  "History  of  the  Indian  Mutiny," 
brought  together  most  of  the  salient  facts  in  connection 
with  the  siege,  and  Mr  Archibald  Forbes'  account  of  the 
entry  of  the  relief  force  under  Havelock  can  scarcely  be 
bettered.  To  the  authors  of  "  Defence  of  Lucknow,  by  a 
Staff  Officer,"  and  "A  Lady's  Diary  of  the  Siege  "  I  am  also 
under  an  obligation. 

A  few  words  need  to  be  said  of  Azimoolah  Khan,  the 
mysterious  figure  of  whom  I  have  ventured  to  give  an  im- 


PREFACE  7 

perfect  outline.  The  only  historian  of  the  Indian  Mutiny 
who,  so  far  as  I  know,  has  dealt  with  Azimoolah  Khan  is 
Lieutenant  Mowbray  Thomson,  one  of  the  survivors  of  the 
Cawnpore  Massacre.  Lieutenant  Thomson  writes,  "  Subtle, 
intriguing,  politic,  unscrupulous  and  bloodthirsty,  the  man 
betrayed  no  animosity  to  us  until  the  outburst  of  the 
Mutiny,  and  then  he  became  the  presiding  genius  in  the 
assault  of  Cawnpore."  Lieutenant  Thomson  attributes  to 
Azimoolah  Khan  the  instigation  of  the  rebellion.  Nana 
Sahib,  he  asserts,  was  but  a  puppet  in  the  crafty  villain's 
hands,  "  for  this  Azimoolah  was  the  actual  murderer  of  our 
sisters  and  their  babes."  Lieutenant  Thomson  adds  that 
when  Havelock's  men  entered  the  Nana's  palace  at  Bithoor 
they  found  piles  of  letters  from  leading  society  ladies  in 
London — unmistakable  proofs  of  Azimoolah's  fascination, 
and  of  his  amazing  duplicity.  The  words  I  have  placed  in 
the  mouth  of  the  club  gossip's  description  of  Azimoolah' 
his  origin,  and  the  object  of  his  mission  to  England,  are 
based  on  Lieutenant  Thomson's  statement.  The  end  ot 
Azimoolah  Khan,  like  that  of  his  infamous  confederate 
Nana  Sahib,  is  buried  in  darkness.  Taking  advantage  of 
the  licence  of  romance,  I  have  endeavoured  to  supply  a 
solution  of  the  mystery. 


CONTENTS 

PACK 

I.    AZIMOOLAH   KHAN         .  .  .  .11 

II.   SIGNS     OF     THE     COMING     STORM  —THE    MYS- 
TERIOUS  CHUPATTIES  .  .  .27 

III.  THE   STORM    BURSTS     .  .  .  •  45 

IV.  AT  GUN  FIRE  .  .  .  .  •  59 
V.   A   LULL   IN   THE    STORM              .                .                .           80 

VI.    NURSE   AND   PATIENT  .                .                .  .90 

VII.  THE  GREEN-EYED  MONSTER  .  .  .  IOI 

VIII.  IN  THE  RESIDENCY  GARDEN  .  .  .121 

IX.  THE  FATAL  DAY  OF  CHINHUT  .  .136 

X.  THE  FIRST  DAY  OF  THE  SIEGE  .  .150 

XI.  AFTER  LIFE'S  FITFUL  FEVER  .  .  .  1 68 

XII.  HAWKE  TRIES  HIS  LUCK  .  .  .  l8o 

XIII.  THE   FIRST   SORTIE — "  BOB  THE  NAILER  "  .         195 

XIV.  A   HOT   ATTACK — THE   CRISIS   OF  THE   SIEGE  .         207 
XV.   THE   ROYAL  TALISMAN  OF   OUDH           .  .        tl6 

9 


io  CONTENTS 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

xvi.  JEAN  ATHERTON'S  DARING     .  ,  .230 

XVII.    THE   CRAFT   OF   MRS   ROSS         .  ,  .239 

xvin.  HAWKE'S  SECRET  MISSION      .  ,  .      249 

xix.  KISMET!          .....      263 

XX.  IN   THE   SECRET    PASSAGE  .  .278 

XXI.  CAPTAIN     FULTON,    THE    REAL    DEFENDER    OF 

LUCKNOW    .....         293 

XXII.    AT   LAST  .  ,  .  .  .         309 

XXIII.    RETRIBUTION  .  .  .  .  .321 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

"Don't  leave  the  Prince.    He'll  think  it  so  rude," 

she  whispered  sharply     .          .          .  Frontispiece 

"I  thought  Mrs.  Ross  would  contrive  to  pay  the 
poor  water-carrier  a  visit,"  said  the  man, 
with  a  covert  sneer  .  .  .  .  116 

"Close  shave  !"    said  Hawke  grimly  .          .  186 

"  Bravo,  Fulton  !    Glad  to  find  you  busy  "  .  288 


LOVE   BESIEGED 


CHAPTER   I 

AZIMOOLAH    KHAN 

ONE  fine  morning  in  the  early  spring  of  1857,  an 
open  carriage,  drawn  by  a  couple  of  superb  horses, 
was  proceeding  at  a  slow  pace  along  the  Mall,  towards 
St  James's  Palace.  In  it  were  seated  two  ladies  and 
a  man,  unmistakably  an  Oriental,  even  had  he  not 
been  wearing  the  characteristic  Hindoo  headdress. 

The  man's  dark  velvety  eyes  were  fixed  admiringly 
en  the  fresh  fair  face  of  the  younger  of  the  two  ladies 
— a  graceful  girl  with  large  tender  eyes,  and  masses 
of  dark  brown  hair.  The  mouth  was  mobile  and 
sensitive,  the  chin  small  and  firmly  rounded,  the 
forehead  broad,  and  the  brows  strongly  marked. 

The  lady  at  her  side,  who  was  twice  her  age,  was 
of  a  totally  different  type.  Handsome,  certainly,  but 
weak  and  vain,  possibly  frivolous. 

"And  so  you  are  about  to  visit  my  country,  Miss 
Atherton,"  said  the  Oriental,  addressing  the  younger 
lady,  with  a  bow. 

"  Yes,"  she  answered.  "  I'm  going  to  live  with  my 
father.  He  will  meet  me  at  Calcutta,  and  we  shall 
continue  the  journey  together  up  the  Ganges  to 
Ghazeepore.  It  will  be  so  strange — so  wonderful  to 
me.  Of  course  it's  familiar  enough  to  you,  Prince 
Azimoolah." 
ii 


12  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"  Oh  yes.  Ah,  you  will  like  Ghazeepore — the 
centre  of  the  rose  garden  of  India.  Your  roses  in 
England  are  nothing  like  those  of  Ghazeepore, 
though  you,  Miss  Atherton,  can  compare  with  any 
rose  that  India  can  boast." 

The  compliment  so  direct  would  have  sounded 
vulgar  and  commonplace  but  for  the  smooth,  liquid 
voice  in  which  it  was  expressed — a  voice  which,  for 
all  its  softness,  sometimes  uttered  a  jarring  guttural 
note  which  suggested  that  Azimoolah  Khan  could 
on  occasion  speak  in  very  different  tones. 

"  How  nice  of  you,  Prince,  to  say  that ! "  exclaimed 
the  elder  lady  laughingly.  "  Don't  you  feel  flattered, 
Jean?" 

Jean  Atherton's  brown  eyes  had  lowered  beneath 
the  ardent  gaze  of  the  Oriental.  She  did  not  receive 
the  flattery  in  very  good  part. 

"I'd  rather  not  be  flattered,  Lady  Constance," 
said  she.  "  Flattery  is  not  always  sincere." 

"  I  agree  with  you,"  said  the  man,  bending  slightly 
forward,  his  eyes  fixed  on  the  girl's  face.  "What  I 
said  was  not  intended  to  be  flattery.  I  hope,  Miss 
Atherton,  it  is  not  a  crime  to  express  admiration 
of  \vhat  is  beautiful.  The  women  of  my  race " 

Prince  Azimoolah  suddenly  stopped.  The  blare  of 
trumpets  had  cut  his  honeyed  speech  in  two.  Then 
followed  the  shrill  note  of  the  fife,  the  peremptory 
rattle  of  the  side  drum. 

The  startled  horses  reared,  but  were  soon  soothed 
by  the  coachman,  who  drew  the  carriage  on  one  side 
of  the  road.  A  company  of  footguards  was  ap- 
proaching from  St  James's  Palace.  It  was  coming 
from  the  ceremony  of  the  trooping  of  the  colours. 

The  soldiers,  many  of  them  Crimean  warriors,  swept 


AZIMOOLAH   KHAN  13 

by,  their  bayonets  gleaming  in  the  sunshine,  their 
coats  and  bearskins  suggesting  a  moving  solid 
structure  of  red  surmounted  by  a  parapet  of  black. 

"  How  grandly  they  march  !  "  cried  Jean,  forgetting 
in  her  enthusiasm  her  momentary  irritation. 

"  And  do  they  fight  as  grandly  as  they  walk  ?  ** 
inquired  the  Prince. 

Azimoolah  may  not  have  intended  the  sneer  in 
his  voice,  but  intentionally  or  not  it  was  there. 

"Your  countrymen  ought  to  be  able  to  answer 
that  question,"  was  the  quick  answer. 

Prince  Azimoolah  laughed  softly,  but  there  was  no 
mirth  in  the  eyes.  Their  velvety  aspect  was  gone, 
and  a  fierce  glitter  occupied  its  place. 

The  drums  and  fifes  ceased  for  a  minute  or  so,  and 
nothing  was  heard  but  the  tramp  of  feet,  as  even  and 
as  regular  as  the  sound  of  a  great  machine.  Then 
the  band  burst  into  a  joyous  triumphant  strain.  The 
tone  of  the  brass  was  pleasant  enough,  but  not  so 
weird,  not  so  barbaric  as  that  of  the  shrill  fife,  and 
the  musketlike  rattle  of  the  side  drums. 

The  carriage  proceeded  towards  St  James's  Palace. 
Azimoolah  Khan  ceased  to  pay  compliments — ceased 
his  flow  of  small-talk.  His  eyes  were  fixed  on  the 
patch  of  red  and  black,  gradually  becoming  less  and 
less  in  the  distance. 

Jean  Atherton  felt  constrained  to  follow  his  gaze. 
She  too  watched  the  departing  soldiers.  Their 
regular  tread  could  no  longer  be  heard,  though  the 
band  had  stopped.  A  brief  silence  followed.  Why 
should  that  silence  suggest  to  Jean's  imagination 
something  vaguely  sinister?  Her  heart  seemed  to 
beat  more  slowly,  but  only  for  a  few  seconds.  The 
next  minute  the  ear-piercing  fife  penetrated  the  air 


14  LOVE   BESIEGED 

again,  shrill,  insistent,  not  wailing.  It  was  like  a 
woman's  call  to  arms,  to  be  answered  by  the  drums. 

The  sounds  died  away.  The  carriage  passed  out 
of  the  park  into  Pall  Mall.  The  windows  of  some 
of  the  clubhouses  were  open.  At  one  was  a  group 
of  retired  Anglo-Indian  officers,  pensioned  East 
India  Company's  officials,  and  others,  tempted  from 
the  study  of  the  newspapers  to  enjoy  the  fresh  spring 
air  and  bright  sunlight. 

"  What's  this  trouble  about  the  greased  cartridges 
in  India?"  said  an  old  gentleman,  a  county  magnate 
up  in  town  with  his  wife  and  daughter,  for  the  pre- 
sentation of  the  latter  at  Court.  "  You've  got  Indian 
matters  at  your  fingers'  ends,  General  Patterson,  I'd 
like  to  be  posted  up  in  the  subject.  Is  the  thing 
likely  to  become  serious,  as  some  of  the  newspapers 
seem  to  fear  ?  " 

"English  newspapers  know  nothing  about  India. 
At  the  same  time,  the  business  must  be  handled 
carefully.  I'll  give  you  the  story  in  a  nutshell. 
You've  heard  about  the  new  Enfield  rifle  of  course. 
The  top  of  the  cartridge  for  this  rifle  has  to  be  bitten 
off  before  insertion  into  the  barrel.  Now  it's  got 
about  that  bullocks'  fat  is  used  in  the  preparation  of 
these  cartridges,  and  as  it's  a  grevious  sin  for  the 
Hindoo  to  touch  bullocks'  fat,  you  can  imagine  the 
hubbub  among  the  sepoys." 

"  Very  absurd  all  these  religious  prejudices,"  said 
the  county  magnate  pompously.  "  I  thought  our 
missionaries  were  knocking  that  nonsense  out  of 
the  natives." 

"  My  dear  Hubbard,  when  you  knock  a  Hindoo's 
religion  out  of  him,  you  knock  out  his  life  as  well. 
His  religion  is  part  of  his  life.  You  in  England  who 


AZIMOOLAH   KHAN  15 

save  your  religion  up  for  Sundays  don't  understand 
that." 

"That's  true,"  said  a  yellow-faced,  shrivelled-up 
old  gentleman,  a  director  of  the  Honourable  East 
India  Company.  "  Now  that  we're  on  the  subject, 
I'd  like  to  read  you  an  extract  from  a  letter  as  to 
how  the  greased-cartridge  trouble  began.  A  soldier 
walking  to  his  cooking  place  to  prepare  his  food  was 
met  by  a  low  caste  man.  The  sepoy  had  with  him 
his  lopah,  or  brass  pot,  full  of  water — and  the  low 
caste  fellow  asked  for  a  drink.  The  soldier  was 
a  Brahmin.  Said  he :  'I  have  scoured  my  lopah. 
You  will  defile  it  by  your  touch.'  The  refusal 
annoyed  the  other,  and  he  replied  jeeringly :  '  You 
think  much  of  your  caste,  but  wait  a  little.  The 
sahib-log  [the  masterman]  will  make  you  bite 
cartridges  soaked  in  fat,  and  then  where  will  your 
caste  be?'  That's  how  the  story  goes,  Mr  Hubbard. 
Of  course  I  don't  know  if  it's  true,  but  my  corre- 
spondent says  everybody  in  Calcutta  is  talking  about 
it." 

"  And  is  fat  really  used  in  making  these  cart- 
ridges ?  "  asked  the  county  magnate. 

"I  don't  think  that  matters  a  rap,"  cut  in  the 
General  impatiently.  "If  the  fellows  once  get  the 
idea  into  their  heads,  it'll  be  deuced  hard  to  drive  it 
out.  I'm  afraid  there's  something  afoot  deeper  than 
greased  cartridges.  If  my  suspicions  are  correct, 
anything  will  do  for  an  excuse  to  bring  the  discon- 
tent to  a  head." 

"  Surely,  General,  you  don't  dread  a  revolt ! "  ex- 
claimed the  startled  magnate. 

"  A  British  soldier  dreads  nothing,  sir,"  returned 
the  General,  a  little  nettled.  "  At  the  same  time,  he 


1 6  LOVE   BESIEGED 

ought  to  look  matters  fairly  in  the  face.  I'm  not 
in  the  Company's  service  now,  but  I  thought  it  my 
duty  to  lay  my  views  before  the  directors  the  other 
day,  and  you  know  how  I  was  received,  Sir  Oliver." 

"  My  dear  General,"  rejoined  the  yellow-faced 
gentleman,  "  you  were  quite  right  to  give  us  the 
benefit  of  your  advice,  but  you're  an  alarmist,  you 
know.  A  revolt  amongst  the  native  troops  is  un- 
thinkable. We've  read  'em  too  many  lessons  in  the 
past  for  that." 

"  The  past  isn't  the  present,"  retorted  the  General. 
"The  forward  policy  of  Lord  Dalhousie,  with 
which  of  course  I  agree,  though  I  don't  like  the  way 
it  was  carried  out,  has  placed  a  tremendous  responsi- 
bility on  the  small  British  army  which  the  East 
India  Company  has  hitherto  found  sufficient.  The 
addition  of  the  kingdom  of  Oudh  has  made  an 
enormous  difference.  There's  a  good  deal  of  sullen 
dissatisfaction.  It's  known  to  exist  in  Lucknow. 
The  failure  of  the  King  of  Oudh  to  get  any  redress 
when  he  visited  England  last  year  hasn't  done  us 
any  good  with  the  natives — but  there,  I  won't  be 
a  prophet  of  evil.  We  shall  pull  through  all  right 
no  doubt." 

"  I  should  think  so,  indeed,"  said  a  retired  Com- 
missioner. "This  cartridge  business  will  soon  die 
out.  We  shall  hear  no  more  of  it  in  a  month  or 
two's  time.  In  any  case,  we  haven't  anything  to  be 
afraid  of  in  the  sepoys.  What  do  you  think, 
General  ?  " 

"Left  to  themselves,  sir,  they're  not  much. 
Officered  by  our  fellows,  they  make  splendid  soldiers. 
I'm  not  afraid  of  the  sepoys.  I  believe  the  majority 
are  absolutely  faithful.  But  behind  them — the  subtle 


AZIMOOLAH   KHAN  17 

intriguers — the  silent  plotters — the Well — by 

Jove ! " 

Everyone  stared  at  the  white-haired  General. 
The  transition  in  tone,  in  manner,  was  so  sudden 
What  had  happened?  He  was  staring  into  the 
street  at  the  occupants  of  an  open  carriage.  The 
carriage  containing  Prince  Azimoolah,  Lady  Con- 
stance Harwood,  and  Jean  Atherton  had  stopped 
opposite  the  clubhouse.  Lady  Constance  had  re- 
cognised a  friend,  a  young  man  on  the  pavement, 
and  he  was  standing  at  the  side  of  the  carriage 
talking  to  her. 

Azimoolah  had  his  eyes  turned  towards  the  club- 
house. The  rage  of  the  old  soldier  seemed  to  amuse 
him  mightily.  He  stared  insolently  into  the  open 
window. 

"  Gad — d'you  see  that  black  rascal  ?  "  stormed  the 
General.  "  I've  a  mind  to  drag  him  out  of  the 
carriage  and  give  him  a  thrashing.  Surely  those 
women  can't  know  who  he  is." 

"  Eh — what  ?  "  exclaimed  the  magnate.  "  Surely 
you  don't  mean  Prince  Azimoolah.  Why " 

"Prince?  He's  no  more  a  prince  than  you  are, 
sir,"  burst  out  the  irate  warrior. 

"Well,  but  he  was  introduced  to  me  as  Prince 
Azimoolah  and  by  the  very  lady  who's  sitting  in 
that  carriage — Lady  Constance  Harwood." 

"Then  if  Lady  Constance  doesn't  know  better, 
someone  ought  to  tell  her.  Look  here,  the  last  time 
I  saw  that  fellow  he  was  a  khitmutgar.  If  you 
don't  know  what  a  khitmutgar  is,  Mr  Hubbard, 
I'll  tell  you.  A  khitmutgar's  a  waiter  at  table,  a 
fellow  you'd  kick  if  he  didn't  attend  to  you  properly. 
He's  a  devilish  clever  rascal,  mind  you — knows 


1 8  LOVE   BESIEGED 

English  and  French  thoroughly,  and  somehow 
became  a  teacher  in  the  Cawnpore  Government 
schools.  I'd  heard  a  Prince  Azimoolah  was  in 
London  two  years  ago,  on  behalf  of  that  Seereck 
Dhoondoo  Punth  who  now  dubs  himself  Nana  Sahib 
but  I  hadn't  the  least  idea  this  so-called  prince  was 
Azimoolah  Khan.  Were  you  aware  of  it,  Sir  Oliver  ? " 

"Not  I,"  rejoined  the  director.  "All  I  know 
is  that  when  Nana  Sahib  aired  his  grievance  against 
the  Company,  he  sent  yonder  man  to  lay  his  case 
before  the  directors,  and  very  well  the  fellow  did 
it.  Whether  he's  a  prince  or  a  khitmutgar,  it  can't 
affect  the  merits  of  the  question." 

"  Perhaps  not,"  retorted  the  General,  "  but  he's 
an  impostor,  and  it's  time  he  was  exposed.  I've 
heard  of  him  buzzing  about  in  the  best  society  with 
the  women  actually  running  after  him.  By  George, 
it's  too  bad.  Look  at  Lady  Constance.  If  the 
rascal  were  the  Emperor  of  the  French,  she  couldn't 
be  more  languishing.  The  girl  sitting  opposite  the 
fellow  doesn't  seem  so  impressed — thank  goodness ! " 

The  carriage  by  this  time  had  moved,  Azimoolah 
never  shifting  his  insolent  glance  so  long  as  he  could 
look  without  trouble  to  himself. 

The  talk  about  Nana  Sahib  of  Cawnpore  continued. 
Sir  Oliver  Markham,  as  a  director  of  the  East  India 
Company,  of  course  was  well  up  in  the  history  of  the 
man  whose  name  was  afterwards  to  become  a  synonym 
for  all  that  is  ferocious  and  bloodthirsty. 

Nana  Sahib,  he  explained,  was  the  son  of  a  corn- 
dealer  of  Poona.  Bajee  Rao,  the  last  of  the 
Mahratta  kings,  who  was  childless,  adopted  him  as 
his  heir.  The  British  Government  dethroned  Bajee 
Rao  and  liberally  pensioned  him.  When  Bajee  Rao 


AZIMOOLAH   KHAN  19 

died,  Nana  Sahib  expected  the  pension  would  be 
continued.  According  to  the  Hindoo  law,  he  was 
entitled  to  claim  this,  notwithstanding  that  he  was 
not  the  son  of  the  late  King.  The  East  India 
Company  ignored  the  Hindoo  law,  and  cut  off  the 
pension ;  hence  the  object  of  Azimoolah  Khan's 
visit  to  London. 

"  And  you  say  he  argued  the  case  well  ? "  asked 
the  General. 

"Very  well  indeed.  We  all  thought  he  was 
exceedingly  plausible.  Certainly  his  manners  were 
charming.  His  first  visit  to  England  was  soon  after  the 
death  of  Lord  Raglan  in  the  Crimea.  I  should  like 
to  know  what's  brought  Azimoolah  here  again. 
We've  seen  nothing  of  him  in  Leadenhall  Street. 
But  of  course  he  knows  it's  of  no  use  coming.  We 
refused  to  grant  Nana  Sahib  his  pension  two  years 
ago,  and  we  certainly  sha'n't  reopen  the  question." 

The  curiosity  of  Sir  Oliver  Markham  as  to  the 
object  of  Azimoolah  Khan's  second  visit  to  London 
was  natural.  Azimoolah  Khan  pretended  it  was  the 
attractions  of  England,  especially  the  attractions 
of  the  English  ladies,  which  had  brought  him  to 
London  a  second  time.  This  was  a  falsehood.  The 
failure  of  his  negotiations  with  the  East  India 
Company  had  embittered  him  against  England,  and 
he  returned  to  India  breathing  vengeance. 

He  journeyed  back  to  India  via  Constantinople, 
arriving  there  just  when  the  prospects  of  the  Crimean 
War  were  gloomy,  and  when  the  opinion  was 
gaining  ground  in  the  East  that  the  struggle  with 
Russia  had  crippled  the  resources  of  England. 

On  his  arrival,  he  comforted  the  Nana  for  his 
disappointment  by  telling  him  the  English  were 


20  LOVE   BESIEGED 

ruined,  and  that  one  decisive  blow  would  destroy 
their  rule  in  the  East.  And  then  he  set  to  work 
to  foment  rebellion. 

Meanwhile  Lady  Constance  Harwood's  carriage 
stopped  in  front  of  a  house  in  Lowndes  Square,  and 
Azimoolah  Khan  assisted  the  ladies  to  alight. 

"  You'll  stay  to  lunch,  Prince  ? "  said  Lady 
Constance. 

A  glancefullof  meaning  shot  from  her  pale  blue  eyes. 

Azimoolah  bowed  assent. 

"  How  nice  it  is  you're  not  a  Hindoo,"  went  on  the 
lady.  "  I  shouldn't  know  in  the  least  what  to  give 
you  to  eat.  And  if  I  did,  I  suppose  you'd  lunch  and 
dine  by  yourself?" 

Azimoolah's  white  teeth  gleamed  for  an  instant. 
He  laughed  grimly.  He  was  a  Mohammedan. 

It  was  clear  Azimoolah  received  the  invitation  with 
intense  pleasure.  At  lunch  he  was  most  agreeable, 
even  fascinating.  Jean  Atherton  was  compelled  to 
own  this. 

But  his  charm  of  manner  did  not  overcome  her 
innate  dislike  of  the  man,  and  when  Lady  Constance 
rose  she  rose  also. 

A  frown  went  over  her  ladyship's  insipid  face. 

"  Don't  leave  the  Prince.  He'll  think  it  so  rude," 
she  whispered  sharply. 

"  But  he's  your  friend,  not  mine,"  returned  Jean. 
"  I've  no  end  of  letters  to  write  this  afternoon,  and  I 
want  to  catch  to-night's  mail." 

"  Oh,  very  well — as  you  like." 

The  acidity  in  the  lady's  voice  crept  in  very  easily. 
She  was  subject  to  what  she  called  "  nerves."  She 
was  readily  irritated,  and  could  not  help  showing  her 
irritation. 


AZIMOOLAH   KHAN  21 

Jean's  excuse  was  no  fictitious  one.  She  had  been 
at  boarding  school  until  she  was  eighteen,  and  had 
hosts  of  friends  among  her  schoolfellows. 

"Finishing"  schools  were  an  institution  of  the 
fifties.  The  very  superior  ladies  who  presided  over 
these  establishments  had  very  superior  ideas.  As 
a  rule  they  bowed  down  to  rank  and  only  tolerated 
wealth  when  it  had  not  been  acquired  by  shopkeeping. 
Mr  Atherton,  a  widower,  had  to  trust  his  daughter 
to  the  care  of  the  Misses  Dunkerley  of  Clapham  and 
without  a  doubt  these  amiable  if  somewhat  narrow- 
minded  ladies  fulfilled  the  trust  faithfully,  according 
to  their  lights. 

After  Jean's  stay  at  the  "  finishing  "  school,  it  was 
necessary  to  find  someone  to  chaperon  her.  The 
period  was  that  of  the  "  young  person."  The  "  young 
person"  has  ceased  to  exist,  and  to-day  Jean  would 
have  gone  to  a  boarding  house  without  any  fuss  or 
bother. 

Not  so  in  the  fifties.  Girls  of  nineteen  were 
supposed  to  be  unable  to  look  after  themselves,  so, 
in  accordance  with  Mr  Atherton's  instructions,  the 
Misses  Dunkerley  sought  for  some  lady  who  for  an 
"  honorarium  "  would  consent  to  take  charge  of  Jean 
until  the  time  of  her  departure  arrived. 

The  simple-minded  ladies,  firmly  believing  that 
anyone  belonging  to  the  aristocracy  must  necessarily 
possess  all  the  virtues,  thought  themselves  highly 
fortunate  in  securing  the  services  of  Lady  Constance 
Harwood.  No  one  could  deny  that  she  was  the 
daughter  of  the  Earl  of  Rockingham.  If  the  Earl 
ran  through  his  fortune  and  ended  by  breaking  his 
neck  in  the  hunting  field,  leaving  little  more  than  his 
entailed  estates  to  represent  his  worldly  possessions 


22  LOVE  BESIEGED 

that  was  not  the  fault  of  Lady  Constance  Harwood. 
But  it  was  the  reason  why  she  condescended  to  take 
care  of  Jean  Atherton.  The  lady  might  have  had 
the  bluest  of  blood,  but  she  also  had  the  slenderest  of 
purses. 

Of  course  dear  good  Misses  Dunkerley  had  not 
the  slightest  idea  that  Lady  Constance  Harwood 
was  an  inveterate  gambler.  Love  of  play  ran  in  the 
blood  of  the  Harwoods,  and  her  ladyship,  when  luck 
went  against  her,  had  to  live  on  her  wits. 

Jean  was  not  long  in  making  this  discovery,  and  it 
was  always  a  puzzle  to  her  how  her  ladyship  con- 
trived to  secure  the  best  of  everything,  even  when 
there  was  not  the  least  prospect  of  paying  for  it. 
Whatever  the  solution  of  the  problem  might  be, 
Lady  Constance  kept  it  to  herself. 

Perhaps  Azimoolah  Khan  could  have  thrown  a 
little  light  on  the  mystery,  in  so  far  as  the  last  six 
months  were  concerned.  It  was  Lady  Constance 
who  introduced  him  into  society.  He  was  the  lion 
she  was  only  too  glad  to  exhibit.  She  procured  him 
invitations  to  balls,  con  certs,  fetes,  and  the  assemblies 
which  served  as  "  At  Homes  "  half-a-century  ago. 

Azimoolah  Khan  found  Lady  Constance  very 
useful.  The  Nana  had  supplied  him  with  unlimited 
funds,  and  Lady  Constance  for  once  in  her  life  had 
the  pleasurable  experience  of  handling  money,  and 
of  knowing  that  she  could  get  more  by  asking  for  it. 

Her  ladyship  was  always  wanting  more,  so  much 
so  that  Azimoolah  Khan  was  beginning  to  show 
signs  of  reluctance.  Lady  Constance,  anxious  to  keep 
the  Indian  in  good  humour,  tried  all  she  could  to 
make  use  of  Jean  to  this  end.  So  shrewd  a  woman 
was  not  likely  to  be  blind  to  the  evident  admiration 


AZIMOOLAH   KHAN  23 

Azimoolah  had  for  the  fresh  young  English  girl. 
To-day  her  manoeuvres  to  leave  Jean  alone  to 
entertain  the  Prince  had  failed.  When  after  her 
defeat  she  returned  to  Azimoolah,  her  lips  were  white 
with  rage. 

"  You're  disturbed,  Lady  Constance,"  said  Azi- 
moolah smoothly. 

"  Yes.  You  saw  what  happened.  Why  didn't  you 
come  to  my  assistance?  I'm  doing  my  best  for  you 
with  her,  but  of  course  I  dare  not  let  her  suspect 
anything.  I  thought  you  men  of  the  East  were  rapid 
in  your  conquests." 

"  Yes,"  returned  Azimoolah,  a  hard  glitter  in  his 
eyes,  "  when  the  time  comes  for  conquest.  We  lay 
our  plans  beforehand,  and  we  wait — oh,  for  a  long 
while,  till  we  are  quite  ready." 

"  And  while  you're  waiting,  someone  intervenes. 
In  six  weeks'  time  Jean  will  start  for  India." 

"And  I  also." 

"  You  ? "  cried  Lady  Constance  angrily.  "  But 
you  told  me  the  other  day  you  intended  to  stay  in 
England  for  quite  three  months  more." 

"  So  I  thought.  But  my  plans  are  altered.  I 
shall  travel  in  the  same  steamer  as  Miss  Atherton. 
Do  you  understand  ?  " 

He  smiled.  Lady  Constance  bit  her  lips.  Her 
sources  of  income  were  coming  to  an  end  sooner 
than  she  expected. 

"  I  suppose,"  she  went  on,  a  little  ironically,  "  you 
would  rather  that  Jean  didn't  know  of  your  inten- 
tion. It  would  come  better  as  a  surprise,  would  it 
not?" 

"Yes — as  a  pleasant  surprise." 

"  Then  I  musn't  tell  her  " 


24  LOVE   BESIEGED 

The  Indian  fixed  his  eyes  upon  the  lady.  His 
penetrating  gaze  confused  her.  It  was  as  much  as 
to  say,  "  How  much  do  you  want  for  holding  your 
tongue?" 

"  No,  you  musn't  tell  her,"  said  he  presently.  "  I 
fear  you've  been  put  to  a  great  deal  of  trouble  and 
expense  in  my  interest  lately.  May  I  venture  to 
acknowledge  your  services  in  some  way?" 

"  Really,  Prince,  already  you've  been  most  gener- 
ous," said  the  lady  deprecatingly. 

Azimoolah  shrugged  his  shoulders.  He  took  from 
his  pocket-book  a  bundle  of  banknotes  and  passed 
them  to  her  across  the  table. 

It  would  have  been  bad  taste  to  unfold  them. 
Lady  Constance  contented  herself  with  thanking 
Azimoolah,  and  left  the  notes  on  the  table  where  he 
had  placed  them. 

The  Indian  rose  to  go. 

"  It  is  understood — silence  ?  " 

"  Why,  of  course." 

The  next  Indian  mail  brought  a  letter  from  Mr 
Atherton  to  his  daughter  in  which  he  said  : 

"  I  shall  be  in  Calcutta  earlier  than  I  expected, 
and  you  must  come  by  the  first  steamer  after  you 
receive  this  letter." 

The  letter  arrived  within  a  week  after  Lady 
Constance  Harwood's  compact  with  Azimoolah 
Khan.  Lady  Constance  at  once  called  at  Azimoo- 
lah's  hotel,  to  find  that  he  had  gone  a  journey.  The 
hotel  people  believed  he  was  at  Brighton,  but  were 
not  sure.  At  any  rate  he  left  no  address  and  they 
did  not  know  when  he  would  return. 

Lady  Constance  waited  three  days,  and  during 
that  time  did  all  in  her  power  to  delay  Jean. 


AZIMOOLAH   KHAN  25 

But  the  girl  was  determined.  She  was  only  too 
glad  to  get  away  from  her  ladyship  and  from 
Azimoolah  Khan.  The  next  P.  &  O.  steamer  left 
Southampton  the  following  week,  and  she  deter- 
mined to  go  by  it.  Nothing  could  turn  her  from 
her  purpose.  Lady  Constance  was  almost  angry  at 
her  obstinacy,  but  for  the  lady's  anger  Jean  cared 
but  little.  She  put  it  down  to  the  fact  that  Lady 
Constance  would  lose  her  income  by  her  departure. 
Her  ladyship  accompanied  the  girl  to  Waterloo 
Station,  and  parted  from  her  there  with  an  effusive- 
ness more  fashionable  than  sincere. 

The  following  day  Azimoolah  Khan  returned  to 
the  hotel.  He  found  awaiting  him  a  letter  from 
Lady  Constance  Harwood,  scolding  him  for  leaving 
London  at  the  very  time  when  his  presence  was 
most  needed. 

"  I  believe  Jean  Atherton  is  really  inclined 
favourably  towards  you,"  wrote  the  lady.  "You 
don't  understand  English  girls.  They  are  brought 
up  to  say  no  when  they  mean  yes.  You've  lost 
your  chance  of  becoming  her  compagnon  de  voyage. 
I  helped  you  all  I  could,  but  I  can't  do  impossi- 
bilities. You  must  follow  up  your  conquest  in 
India." 

At  the  end  of  the  letter  was  a  postscript : 

"  I  open  this  to  tell  you  I  have  just  heard  that  the 
steamer  with  Jean  on  board  was  delayed  at  Fal- 
mouth  for  a  couple  of  days.  Something  wrong  with 
the  engines.  By  travelling  via  Marseilles,  I'm  told, 
you  may  join  her  at  Cairo.  But  you  must  start  at 
once." 


26  LOVE   BESIEGED 

He  did  not  need  her  ladyship's  hint.  There 
were  other  motives  besides  the  pursuit  of  Jean 
Atherton  which  hastened  Azimoolah  Khan's  de- 
parture from  England.  The  time  was  fast  approach- 
ing when  the  long  meditated  blow  which  was  to 
shake  the  English  rule  in  India  to  its  very  founda- 
tions was  to  be  struck. 

He  hurried  away ;  to  reach  Cairo  the  day  after 
Jean  had  departed. 


CHAPTER   II 

SIGNS    OF   THE  COMING  STORM — THE    MYSTERIOUS 
CHUPATTIES 

THE  scene  was  the  deck  of  a  Ganges  steamer,  pro- 
tected from  the  scorching  rays  of  the  sun  by  a 
substantial  roof  of  wood.  The  picture  beneath  that 
roof  was  a  pretty  one,  both  in  form  and  colour. 

A  slim,  graceful  English  girl,  dressed  in  white,  her 
little  slippered  feet  resting  on  an  Eastern  rug  of 
gorgeous  tints  and  grotesque  design,  was  resting  in 
a  deck-chair,  an  open  book  upon  her  lap. 

The  man  sitting  at  her  side  one  could  see  at  a 
glance  was  her  father.  He  had  the  same  refined 
features,  the  same  deep-set,  shining  eyes,  the  same 
pitch  of  the  voice. 

"  Shall  we  reach  Ghazeepore  in  good  time  do  you 
think,  papa?" 

"  Yes ;  we  ought  to  unless  we  get  stuck  on  a  sand- 
bank— a  not  at  all  unlikely  thing.  It's  a  pity  we 
have  to  travel  at  this  season  of  the  year,  or  we  might 
have  gone  straight  up  the  Hooghly  into  the  Ganges. 
As  it  is,  we  must  go  through  the  channels  of  the 
Sunderbunds  and  that  will  make  a  difference  of 
nearly  a  thousand  miles.  But  it  doesn't  much 
matter,  everything  moves  slowly  here." 

The  Sunderbunds  comprise  the  vast  labyrinth  of 
small  islands,  intersected  by  lagoons,  that  form  the 
delta  of  the  Ganges. 
27 


28  LOVE  BESIEGED 

For  six  days  the  cumbrous  steamer,  dragging 
behind  it  a  flat  loaded  with  cargo,  had  been  thread- 
ing tortuous  streams  steaming  from  one  lagoon  into 
another,  until  the  eye  became  tired  of  the  monotony 
of  the  perpetual  verdure  to  be  seen  on  either  side. 
On  the  seventh  day  the  vessel  entered  the  Ganges. 
Hills  were  just  visible  in  the  distance,  but  the  river 
itself  glided  through  a  dead  level  of  country — so 
level,  indeed,  that  it  was  almost  difficult  to  tell  which 
way  the  current  flowed. 

The  cool  breezes  which  swept  over  the  vessel  when 
it  left  Calcutta  had  long  since  died  away.  Now  and 
again  came  the  breath  of  the  "  hot  wind,"  an  omin- 
ous precursor  of  what  was  to  follow  later  on.  This 
"hot  wind"  was  a  new  experience  to  Jean.  It 
seemed  to  scorch  everything  it  touched,  and  was 
loaded  with  a  fine  dust,  filling  eyes,  ears,  nostrils, 
and  even  pockets.  The  verdure  of  the  delta  gave 
place  to  long,  wide  stretches  of  white  sand,  looking 
in  the  glaring  sunshine  almost  like  snow. 

The  river  journey  had,  indeed,  become  terribly  try- 
ing. What  with  the  stifling  heat  and  the  attentions 
of  the  mosquitoes,  it  was  almost  impossible  to  sleep. 

From  Patna  to  Ghazeepore,  the  journey  was 
extremely  tedious.  It  occupied  nearly  a  week,  the 
steamer  grounding  several  times,  and  each  time 
lying  obstinately  on  its  sandbank  for  hours. 

At  Ghazeepore,  where  they  landed,  came  a  welcome 
change  of  scene  from  the  eternal  river  and  the  narrow 
confines  of  the  steamer.  They  were  now  in  the  dis- 
trict famed  for  its  rose-water.  Hundreds  of  acres  of 
rose  bushes  were  just  bursting  into  flower,  the  air 
was  pure  and  sweet,  and  there  were  not  quite  so 
many  mosquitoes  and  flies. 


SIGNS   OF  THE   COMING   STORM     29 

Jean  Atherton  was  in  good  spirits,  and  quite  ready 
for  her  new  experience — travelling  by  dak  to 
Lucknow. 

At  Ghazeepore  they  stayed  at  the  house  of  Mr 
Gibson,  a  representative  of  the  East  India  Company, 
and  an  old  colleague  of  Mr  Atherton,  and  it  did  not 
need  much  shrewdness  on  the  part  of  Jean  to  note 
the  sense  of  anxiety  which  seemed  to  pervade  the 
household.  Her  father's  manner  was  no  longer  that 
of  the  placid,  well-to-do  official,  secure  in  the  receipt 
of  a  large  salary,  and  assured  of  a  comfortable  pen- 
sion for  his  declining  days.  He  held  long  conversa- 
tions in  an  undertone  with  his  host ;  but  of  the 
nature  of  the  talk  Jean  knew  or  understood  nothing. 

Mr  Atherton  had  had  six  months'  leave  of 
absence  from  Lucknow,  and  much  had  taken  place 
in  the  interim. 

On  the  day  following  their  arrival  at  Ghazeepore 
a  curious  circumstance  transpired.  Jean  was  out 
walking  with  her  father  and  Mr  Gibson  in  the  early 
morning,  when  she  saw  a  native  accost  another  and 
place  something  formally  in  his  hand.  At  the  same 
moment  Mr  Gibson  suddenly  stopped  speaking,  in 
the  middle  of  a  sentence,  and,  stepping  quickly 
across  the  road,  passed  close  to  the  two  natives. 
The  natives  immediately  separated,  and  in  a  minute 
or  two  Mr  Gibson  rejoined  Jean  and  her  father. 

"Atherton,"  said  Gibson  abruptly,  "did  you  see 
that?" 

"  I  did,"  returned  Mr  Atherton,  in  a  low  voice. 
"  Was  it  the  passing  of  the  chupatties  ?  " 

"Yes.  That  fellow  who  handed  the  chupatty 
does  not  belong  to  Ghazeepore.  He  is  a  chowkedar 
[village  policeman]  of  Buxar.  I  heard  him  say  to 


30  LOVE   BESIEGED 

one  man :  '  Make  ten  more,  and  give  two  each  to 
the  nearest  chowkedars,  with  the  same  orders.' " 

"  I  don't  like  that,"  said  Mr  Atherton  uneasily. 

"  Like  it  ? "  exclaimed  Gibson  emphatically. 

"It's  dam I  beg  your  pardon,  Miss  Atherton — 

deuced  bad.  I  hope  it  doesn't  mean  mischief." 

Jean  looked  from  one  to  the  other.  She  saw  alarm 
written  in  the  faces  of  the  two  men. 

"  Has  anything  happened,  papa  ?  "  she  asked  anxi- 
ously. 

"  Oh  no  ;  and  nothing  may  happen.  Those  things 
which  you  saw  the  one  man  hand  to  the  other  were 
little  unleavened  cakes,  called  chupatties.  They  are 
eaten  by  every  native  from  one  end  of  India  to  the 
other.  When  there  is  something  unusual  imminent 
and  the  people  have  to  be  warned  to  be  in  readiness, 
these  cakes  are  passed  from  hand  to  hand  as  you  ob- 
served just  now.  These  chupatties  are  only  used  by 
the  civilians.  In  the  case  of  soldiers,  a  lotus  leaf  is 
employed." 

"  But  I  don't  understand,"  said  Jean.  "  You  say 
the  people  are  warned  to  be  in  readiness.  In  readi- 
ness for  what  ?  " 

"  Ah,"  returned  her  father,  drawing  a  long  breath, 
"  if  we  only  knew !  Gibson,"  said  he,  turning  to  his 
friend,  "  we  must  lose  no  time  in  getting  to  Lucknow. 
Sir  Henry  Lawrence  ought  to  be  told  of  this." 

"  You're  quite  right,  old  friend.  The  dak  shall  be 
in  readiness  to-morrow  morning." 

Mr  Gibson  was  as  good  as  his  word,  and  the  next 
day  Jean  found  herself  jolting  towards  Lucknow  in  a 
kind  of  palanquin  running  on  four  high  wheels,  and 
drawn  by  a  single  horse. 

Mr  Atherton  judged  it  prudent  to  disguise  the 


SIGNS   OF  THE   COMING   STORM     31 

truth  no  longer  from  his  daughter,  and  for  the  first 
time  Jean  learned  that  all  the  Europeans  in  the 
stations  and  cities  of  the  North- West  Provinces  were 
becoming  conscious  that  grave  trouble  was  impending, 
though  from  what  quarter  it  would  first  proceed  it 
was  impossible  to  foresee. 

Jean  and  her  father  reached  Lucknow  in  little 
more  than  a  week.  The  journey  should  not  have 
taken  them  so  long,  but  the  roads  were  bad,  and  the 
horses  in  ill  condition.  In  spite  of  the  benedictions 
maledictions,  persuasions,  and  commands  of  the 
drivers,  supplemented  with  a  liberal  application  of 
whip-cord,  not  more  than  five  and  twenty  miles  could 
be  covered  in  a  dayf  and  Jean  was  heartily  sick  of 
travelling  by  dak  by  the  time  the  towers  of  the 
palaces  and  the  minarets  of  the  mosques  of  Lucknow 
came  in  view. 

It  was  a  gorgeous  afternoon  in  the  early  part  of 
May  when  they  arrived  in  the  capital,  and  at  that 
season  of  the  year  the  climate  is  very  trying  to 
Europeans.  All  the  day  the  scorching  rays  of  the 
sun  had  been  terribly  oppressive,  and  the  wind 
seemed  as  though  it  had  passed  through  a  furnace. 

They  approached  the  city  from  the  south-east, 
skirting  the  beautiful  park  which  surrounds  Dilkoosha, 
the  magnificent  hunting-box,  or  country  seat,  built 
by  Saadat  AH  Khan,  King  of  Oudh.  The  sun  had 
already  begun  to  decline,  and  the  white  stone  of  the 
distant  palaces,  so  dazzling  in  midday,  was  bathed 
in  a  crimson  glow.  The  towers  and  pinnacles  cast 
long,  frowning  shadows  upon  the  ground. 

"  In  half-an-hour  we  shall  be  at  home,"  said  Mr 
Atherton.  The  heat  of  the  day  was  over,  and  he 
was  walking  by  the  side  of  Jean's  carriage. 


32  LOVE  BESIEGED 

The  girl  started.  It  seemed  so  strange  that  hence- 
forth her  home  should  be  in  this  glowing  Oriental 
city,  where  the  life  of  to-day  was  so  strangely  tinged 
by  the  poetry,  the  romance,  the  tradition,  and  the 
mysticism  of  the  past. 

"  Do  you  see  that  building  on  the  right,  with  the 
tall  column  in  front  ?  That  is  called  '  La  Martiniere, 
after  the  name  of  its  founder,  General  Claude  Martin, 
who  eighty  years  ago  was  in  the  service  of  the  King 
of  Oudh,"  said  Mr  Atherton. 

The  dak  was  stopped  for  a  few  moments,  that  Jean 
might  view  the  building  the  better.  Superb  and 
impressive  it  certainly  was,  for  the  distance  concealed 
the  details  of  its  fantastic  and  grotesque  architecture. 
In  front  of  the  building,  rising  from  the  placid 
waters  of  the  lake,  was  a  lofty  column,  quite  plain  in 
its  ornamentation  in  comparison  with  the  barbaric 
luxuriance  of  the  structure  behind. 

The  setting  sun  dyed  the  waters  of  a  blood-red, 
the  column  threw  a  rigid  shadow,  black  as  ink,  across 
the  crimson.  There  was  something  sinister  in  the 
startling  contrast  of  colour.  Jean  was  strangely 
impressed.  A  feeling  of  uneasiness,  almost  of  fore- 
boding, crept  over  her. 

Presently  they  crossed  the  Dilkoosha  bridge,  span- 
ning the  canal.  This  canal,  she  noticed,  had  no 
water  in  it.  It  was  simply  a  gigantic  ditch  with  a 
sandy  bed. 

"  Ah,"  said  her  father,  "  that  canal  is  a  type  of 
a  good  many  things  in  India.  It  was  commenced  in 
the  reign  of  one  of  the  old  kings  of  Oudh,  and  was 
intended  to  run  from  the  Ganges  for  the  purpose  of 
irrigating  the  country  between  Lucknow  and  Cawn- 
pore.  Only  a  few  miles  had  been  excavated  when 


SIGNS   OF   THE   COMING   STORM    33 

funds  failed.  The  fact  was,  the  contractors  simply 
took  all  the  money  they  could  lay  their  hands  upon 
and  decamped.  Honest,  wasn't  it?  And  so  you  see 
the  reason  of  that  dry  ditch,  which,  so  far  as  I  know, 
is  good  for  nothing." 

They  were  now  in  the  city  of  Lucknow.  The 
streets,  long  and  narrow,  were  teeming  with  life. 
The  picturesque  costumes  gave  a  wonderful  anima- 
tion and  picturesqueness  to  the  scene.  Unlike  the 
Bengalese,  the  men  of  Oudh  are  often  tall  and  stal- 
wart, and  the  women  graceful  and  of  noble  carriage. 
There  were  many  of  these,  and  mingling  with  them 
were  beggars  of  the  vile  and  squalid  aspect  peculiar 
to  the  East. 

No  city  is  more  remarkable  for  the  variety  of  its 
inhabitants  and  the  mixed  character  of  its  architec- 
ture than  Lucknow,  and  at  every  turn  were  scenes 
glowing  with  real  Oriental  vividness  of  colouring. 

Mr  Atherton's  house  was  not  far  from  the  Resi- 
dency, the  headquarters  of  the  Chief  Commissioner, 
Sir  Henry  Lawrence.  It  was  a  bungalow  of  con- 
siderable size.  When  the  carriage  drew  up  in 
front  of  the  verandah  a  host  of  servants,  squatting 
in  the  shade,  came  forward  with  low  salaams,  and 
with  noise  and  gesticulation  began  to  unpack  the 
luggage. 

"There's  the  household — or  at  least  a  part  of  it," 
said  Mr  Atherton  laughingly.  "  You  must  do  your 
best  to  govern  them,  Jean.  Hitherto  I  fancy  they've 
governed  me.  You'll  find  they  like  their  own  way 
better  than  anything  else  in  the  world." 

Jean  looked  with  dismay  at  the  row  of  dusky  faces, 
some  grave,  some  smiling,  and  wondered  how  she 
should  get  on.  Though  she  could  speak  a  little 
c 


34  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Hindustani,  she  could  scarcely  say  she  was  at  home 
in  the  language. 

When  at  eight  o'clock  she  went  down  to  dinner 
the  moon  was  shining  with  that  clear,  pale,  silvery 
light  seen  only  in  the  East.  The  lamps  had  not 
been  lighted,  for  fear  of  attracting  the  mosquitoes 
and  other  pests  of  Indian  life.  Jean  went  into  the 
verandah  where  her  father  was  slowly  pacing  to  and 
fro,  his  hands  clasped  behind  him,  his  head  bent  in 
thought. 

She  touched  his  arm.     He  started. 

"  I  haven't  frightened  you,  have  I,  papa  ?  " 

"Frightened  me?  Of  course  not,  my  dear,"  he 
replied  a  little  hesitatingly.  "  Come,"  said  he,  sud- 
denly changing  his  tone,  "let  us  go  into  dinner. 
Our  first  meal  in  our  own  house  must  be  a  happy 
one." 

Atherton  drew  his  daughter's  hand  within  his  arm, 
and  led  her  into  the  room.  It  was  flooded  with 
moonlight  and  everything  was  almost  as  distinct  as 
in  the  daytime. 

Whether  from  the  strangeness  of  the  scene,  or  the 
vague  feeling  of  unrest  which  seemed  to  permeate 
the  very  atmosphere,  or  from  her  own  sense  of 
inexperience  and  insufficiency  for  the  duties  that 
awaited  her,  the  fair  girl  sighed  deeply  as  she  seated 
herself  for  the  repast,  and  her  father,  who  read  his 
own  meaning  into  the  wordless  expression,  looked 
down  lovingly  upon  her,  and  seeing  her  mother  in 
her  face,  stooped  and  kissed  it  with  feelings  which 
hovered  betwixt  hope  and  fear. 

A  dinner  by  moonlight  is  an  unnatural  sort  of 
thing.  On  Atherton  clapping  his  hands,  half-a- 
dozen  servants,  all  barefooted,  came  in.  While  one 


SIGNS   OF   THE   COMING   STORM    35 

man  lit  the  lamps,  others  pulled  down  the  blinds  and 
drew  the  gauze  curtains  across  the  windows. 

Mr  Atherton  was  full  of  talk  during  the  dinner, 
but  it  seemed  to  the  keen  perception  of  his  daughter 
that  his  gaiety  was  forced.  Whenever  there  was  a 
pause  in  the  conversation,  his  eyes  became  uneasy 
and  were  fixed  upon  her  with  a  look  in  them  she  had 
never  seen  before. 

She  knew  her  father  had  been  in  the  Residency 
since  their  arrival,  and  she  wondered  if  he  had  heard 
any  disquieting  news.  She  hardly  dared  to  ask 
him. 

"We  ought  to  take  stock  of  our  domestics,  and 
see  how  many  we  have  really  got,"  said  he.  "Just 
before  I  left  for  Calcutta  I  tried  to  reckon  up.  I 
found  I  had  a  head-bearer,  a  mate-bearer,  six  under- 
bearers,  a  cook,  a  gardener,  a  khansaman,  or  butler, 
three  khitmutgars,  a  water-carrier,  a  washerman,  a 
tailor,  a  coachman,  two  grooms,  two  grass-cutters, 
and  two  messengers.  I  fancy  others  have  been 
added  since.  I  must  leave  you  to  appoint  your  own 
women  staff." 

"The  ayah  I  brought  from  Calcutta  ought  to  be 
enough  for  me,  papa.  I  hate  being  fussed  over  by  a 
host  of  servants,"  said  Jean. 

Her  father  laughed. 

"  My  dear,  you'll  have  to  get  used  to  that.  The 
Hindoo  believes  firmly  in  a  division  of  labour.  The 
bearer — the  man,  you  know,  who  pulls  the  punkah— *• 
won't  take  a  plate  off  the  table  for  love  or  money ; 
and  no  power  on  earth  will  induce  the  khitmutgar, 
or  waiter,  to  pull  the  punkah.  So  what  are  you  to 
do?" 

Just  then  the  sound  of  wheels  and  the  tramp  of  a 


36  LOVE  BESIEGED 

horse  was  heard  outside.  A  khitmutgar  brought  in 
a  card. 

"Dr  Lennard,"  exclaimed  Mr  Atherton.  "Yes, 
show  the  doctor  in." 

A  young  man,  with  a  refined  and  intellectual 
rather  than  a  handsome  face,  entered  hastily.  He 
paused  a  moment  when  he  saw  Jean,  and  bowed 
low. 

"  My  daughter  Jean — Dr  Lennard,"  said  Mr 
Atherton. 

"  Why  didn't  you  come  earlier,  Lennard,  and  dine 
with  us?"  he  continued,  when  the  introduction  was 
complete. 

"  I'd  no  intention  of  calling  ;  but,  visiting  a  patient 
near  here,  he  told  me  you  had  just  arrived,  so  I 
thought  I'd  look  you  up." 

"  That's  right ;  you'll  be  able  to  tell  us  the  latest 
news.  Jean  must  be  posted  up  in  Lucknow  fashion- 
able gossip.  She  knows  nobody  yet.  You're  the 
first  resident  to  whom  she's  been  introduced." 

"  I  esteem  it  an  honour,"  said  the  young  man, 
with  his  grave  eyes  fixed  earnestly  on  Jean's  hand- 
some face.  "  I  could  have  wished  that  Miss  Atherton 
had  arrived  at  any  time  but  the  present — though,  of 
course,  the  loss  would  have  been  ours." 

"  It's  very  nice  of  you  to  say  that,  Dr  Lennard," 
said  Jean  smilingly ;  "  but  may  I  ask  what  is  the 
matter  with  the  present  time?  Papa's  convinced 
that  all  fear  of  a  disturbance  is  at  an  end,  aren't 
you  ?  " 

She  turned  suddenly  upon  her  father,  and  once 
more  saw  the  uneasy  expression  which  she  had 
noticed  before  in  his  eyes. 

"  All  fear  ?     Yes,  I  think  so — I  hope  so,"  replied 


SIGNS   OF   THE   COMING   STORM    37 

her  father  slowly.  Then,  with  an  abruptness  which 
seemed  to  indicate  that  something  was  brooding  in 
his  mind,  he  said :  "  Lennard,  what's  this  story 
about  Dr  Wells?  I  was  at  the  Residency  just  now, 
and  heard  one  or  two  men  speaking  of  it,  but 
couldn't  get  at  the  facts." 

"  It's  rather  a  serious  business — more  serious  than 
some  seem  to  think.  Dr  Wells,  as  I  daresay  you 
know,  is  the  surgeon  of  the  48th  Native  Infantry, 
and  unintentionally  he  did  what  was  rather  an 
unfortunate  thing.  Having  occasion  to  visit  the 
medicine  store  of  the  hospital,  and  feeling  at  the 
time  indisposed,  he  incautiously  applied  to  his  mouth 
a  bottle  containing  a  carminative.  This  bottle  was 
taken  from  the  hospital  medicines  and  the  regimental 
apothecary  saw  the  act." 

"  Put  it  to  his  mouth  ?  "  cried  Mr  Atherton.  "  How 
confoundedly  thoughtless !  " 

"You  see,  Miss  Atherton,"  continued  Lennard, 
turning  to  the  girl,  "  this  act  was  a  defiance  of  the 
rules  of  Hindoo  caste.  No  high-caste  Hindoo  could 
afterwards  have  partaken  of  the  medicine  contained 
in  the  polluted  bottle.  Under  ordinary  circumstances 
the  incident  might  have  been  passed  over  as  acci- 
dental, but  just  now  everything  is  twisted  to  support 
the  unlucky  belief  which  has  got  abroad  that  we 
want  to  upset  the  Hindoo  religion.  It  so  happened, 
too,  that  the  native  apothecary  who  attended  Dr 
Wells  was  unfortunately  on  bad  terms  with  him,  and 
immediately  went  and  blurted  out  the  thing  among 
the  sepoys  in  the  hospital.  Well,  of  course,  there  was 
a  terrible  bother." 

"  And  what  was  done?"  said  Mr  Atherton,  rising 
from  his  chair  and  pacing  up  and  down  the  room. 


38  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"  First  of  all  there  was  an  outcry,  and  not  a  patient 
would  touch  any  medicine.  Upon  that  Colonel 
Palmer  assembled  the  native  officers,  and  in  their 
presence  destroyed  the  bottle  which  Dr  Wells  had 
put  to  his  lips,  besides  giving  him  a  severe  rebuke." 

"  Colonel  Palmer  could  hardly  do  more." 

"  True :  but  the  offence  had  been  committed.  The 
men  took  their  physic  ;  but  what  happened  ?  Dr 
Wells'  bungalow  a  few  nights  after  was  burnt  down, 
and  everything  inside  destroyed.  Wells  himself 
narrowly  escaped  with  his  life." 

"  How  wicked  and  revengeful ! "  exclaimed  Jean 
indignantly.  "  Were  not  the  men  who  set  fire  to  the 
house  punished  ? " 

"  Their  guilt  could  never  be  brought  home  to  them. 
It  was  well  known  the  incendiaries  belonged  to  the 
48th  Regiment ;  but  as  no  proofs  could  be  obtained, 
no  punishment  could  be  inflicted.  They  know  in 
India  how  to  keep  secrets,"  said  the  young  doctor, 
with, a  grim  smile. 

"  It's  terrible !  Why,  no  one's  life  is  safe  if  so 
small  a  thing  as  this  can  lead  to  such  frightful  conse- 
quences," said  the  girl,  fixing  her  large,  liquid  eyes 
on  Lennard's  face.  "  I  shall  have  to  be  very  careful 
I  don't  offend  any  of  the  servants  ;  they  might  burn 
this  house  down." 

"  Oh,  it's  not  quite  so  bad  as  that.  You  mustn't 
alarm  yourself  unnecessarily.  Perhaps  I  ought  not 
to  have  mentioned  this  matter  before  you." 

"  Why  not  ?  "  cried  Jean  impulsively.  "  There  can 
be  no  good  in  keeping  me  in  the  dark.  I  know  it's 
the  fashion  for  men  to  believe  that  women  cannot 
bear  misfortune,  and  that  directly  bad  news  comes 
we  go  into  hysterics.  They're  wrong." 


SIGNS    OF   THE   COMING   STORM    39 

"  I  am  sure  they  are  in  your  case  !  "  rejoined  Len- 
nard,  with  emphasis. 

Jean  coloured  slightly  at  the  glance  of  admiration 
which  the  doctor  had  directed  towards  her.  The 
conversation  had  taken  an  unexpectedly  personal  turn. 

"  You  don't  think,  then,  Dr  Lennard,  that  women 
are  cowards  ? " 

"  My  experience  has  taught  me  just  the  reverse. 
In  the  majority  of  cases  they  bear  pain  better  than 
men,  and  I  believe  in  times  of  real  danger  they 
display  a  courage  and  heroism  quite  equal  ;  when 
peril  assails  anyone  they  love,  women  will  sometimes 
dare  more  than  men." 

"  Is  that  really  your  opinion  ?  "  cried  Jean,  her  eyes 
glistening. 

"  Yes.  I  only  hope  events  won't  put  my  opinion 
to  the  proof." 

The  young  doctor's  manner,  always  earnest,  took 
a  solemnity  of  tone  which  was  strangely  impressive. 
It  seemed  to  bring  to  Jean's  mind  all  the  forebodings 
and  disquieting  presentiments  which  at  times  weighed 
so  heavily  on  her  spirits.  Lennard  noticed  her  pensive 
expression. 

"  I've  made  you  sad,  Miss  Atherton.  I  didn't 
intend  to  play  the  part  of  the  raven." 

"  Lennard,"  said  Mr  Atherton,  suddenly  breaking 
into  the  conversation,  "  come  to  my  room.  I  want 
to  talk  things  over  with  you.  You  can  amuse  your- 
self while  we  are  away,  can't  you,  Jean  ?  There's 
the  piano  I  had  sent  from  Calcutta  on  purpose  for 
you.  See  whether  it's  in  decent  tune." 

"Mr  Atherton,"  said  Lennard,  in  a  low  voice, 
"  is  it  a  private  matter  you  wish  to  speak  to  me 
about  ? " 


40  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"  In  a  way,  yes  ;  but  not  precisely  so.  I  want  to 
get  from  you  some  idea  of  the  exact  position  of 
affairs  here.  You  move  about  a  good  deal,  you  go 
among  the  natives,  and  you  probably  know  more 
than  the  military  authorities.  I  heard  some  very 
ugly  rumours  at  the  Residency  this  evening." 

"  Very  likely.  I'll  give  you  my  candid  opinion. 
Can't  we  talk  here  ?  " 

"  You  forget  Jean  is  fresh  from  England,  and  I 
don't  want  to  frighten  her." 

"  You  won't  do  that.  I  think  Miss  Atherton  ought 
not  to  be  left  in  the  dark." 

"  Eh  ?  Well,  perhaps  you're  right,"  said  Mr 
Atherton,  after  a  pause.  He  was  looking  at  Jean 
as  he  spoke,  and  noted  her  bright,  eager,  expressive, 
intelligent  face.  Before  her  arrival  at  Calcutta  he 
had  not  seen  his  daughter  for  five  years,  when  he 
spent  his  last  leave  of  absence  in  England.  In  the 
interval  she  had,  from  a  slim  slip  of  a  girl,  blossomed 
into  all  the  glory  and  grace  of  womanhood.  Possibly 
when  he  suggested  a  private  conversation  with  Dr 
Lennard,  he  had  Jean  in  his  mind  as  she  had  been. 
He  was  not  yet  accustomed  to  the  Jean  that  was. 

"  Jean  dear,"  said  he  quietly,  "  Dr  Lennard's  about 
to  tell  us  what  has  happened  in  Lucknow  during  the 
last  few  weeks." 

"  I'm  sorry  that  what  I  have  to  say  isn't  more 
pleasant,"  began  Lennard,  his  eyes  fixed  upon  Jean's 
eager  face.  "  I'll  put  the  story  as  briefly  as  I  can. 
First  came  the  episode  of  the  medicine  bottle.  After 
this  Sir  Henry  Lawrence  began  to  take  precautions, 
and  these  he  now  continues.  The  arrangements  for 
the  English  troops  were  horribly  inconvenient  and 
unsafe.  Sir  Henry  has  altered  all  that,  and,  besides 


SIGNS    OF   THE   COMING   STORM    41 

concentrating  his  forces,  he  is  making  the  Residency 
defensible  in  the  event  of  the  worst.  You  noticed, 
Mr  Atherton,  I  daresay,  how  all  the  huts  and 
outbuildings  close  to  the  house  have  been  cleared 
away." 

"  Oh  yes.     I  wondered  what  it  meant." 

"  That's  to  give  sharpshooters  no  chance  of  cover. 
The  astute  old  chap  has  been  slaving  from  morning 
till  night.  He  has  laid  in  stores  and  ammunition, 
arranged  for  a  constant  water  supply  and  had  the 
treasure  from  the  city  and  outlying  stations  moved 
to  the  Residency,  and  outworks  are  gradually 
being  thrown  up  all  round.  Of  course  everything 
has  to  be  done  cautiously.  The  sepoys  are  terribly 
suspicious.  In  spite  of  the  care  taken,  things  came 
to  a  head  on  the  3rd  of  May,  when  the  7th  Regiment 
of  Oudh  Irregular  Infantry  broke  out.  They  first 
refused  to  bite  the  new  cartridges.  Then,  after 
brooding  over  their  grievances  for  a  couple  of  days, 
they  arrived  at  the  amiable  conclusion  that  they  must 
kill  their  European  officers.  By  Jove  1  Nothing  but 
the  coolness  of  Adjutant  Mecham  averted  a  horrible 
catastrophe." 

"  Good  heavens  ! "  cried  Atherton. 

"  It  was  this  way.  The  men  were  all  on  the 
parade  ground,  and  the  officers  were  arguing  with 
them,  when  Mecham  was  taken  unawares  by  the 
mutineers,  and  told  to  prepare  to  die.  '  Very  well,' 
said  he  pluckily,  '  you  may  kill  me  ;  but  what  good 
will  my  death  do  to  you  ?  Another  adjutant  will  take 
my  place,  and  you  will  be  subjected  to  the  same 
treatment  you  receive  from  me.'  They  seemed  to 
be  struck  with  the  force  of  the  reasoning,  didn't 
injure  him,  and  returned  to  their  lines,  but  refused 


42  LOVE   BESIEGED 

to  lay  down  their  arms.  Of  course  this  insubordina- 
tion couldn't  be  tolerated.  So  that  very  night  the 
7th  were  ordered  up  by  Sir  Henry,  and  told  to  give 
up  their  weapons.  They  were  surrounded  by  the 
32nd  Foot  and  a  European  battery,  and  they  saw 
the  wisdom  of  obeying.  The  next  day  the  ring- 
leaders were  arrested.  Now  to-morrow  Sir  Henry 
holds  a  durbar,  when  rewards  will  be  given  to  those 
native  officers  who  have  given  him  information  as  to 
what  is  going  on.  That's  all  I  can  tell  you." 

At  that  moment  the  voices  of  the  servants  sud- 
denly broke  into  the  conversation,  and  a  khitmutgar 
ran  in,  his  arms  upraised,  and  crying  : 

"  Sahib  !     Sahib  !     Bad  news ! " 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?     What  has  happened  ?  " 

"  Dhoonah  Rah  has  just  come  from  the  bazaar. 
He's  been  told  the  soldiers  at  Meerut  have  risen  and 
murdered  their  officers.  The  mem-sahibs,  the 
children  have  been  killed." 

"  The  women  and  the  children.  Impossible ! 
Dhoonah  Rah  is  either  telling  you  lies,  or  has 
himself  been  deceived  !  "  cried  Atherton. 

The  khitmutgar  salaamed  in  a  deprecatory 
manner.  He  was  too  polite  to  contradict  his 
master,  but  it  was  evident  he  believed  the  story. 

"  It  can't  be  true !  It's  too  horrible !  Lennard, 
what  do  you  think?" 

Lennard  glanced  at  Jean,  whose  face  had  suddenly 
grown  white. 

"  No,"  said  he  stoutly ;  "  I  don't  believe  the 
soldiers  would  be  guilty  of  such  atrocities.  Besides, 
Meerut  is  two  hundred  miles  away  ;  the  news  could 
scarcely  reach  us  in  so  short  a  time." 

"I    don't    know    that,"    said    Atherton,    a    little 


SIGNS   OF   THE   COMING   STORM    43 

agitatedly.  "  The  native  runners  are  fleet  of  foot. 
Intelligence  is  conveyed  from  village  to  village  with 
incredible  swiftness.  There's  but  one  thing  to  be 
done.  You  and  I  must  go  to  the  Residency  and  see 
Sir  Henry.  You  don't  mind  being  left  alone  for 
half-an-hour,  Jean?" 

"  No,  papa,"  said  the  girl  courageously.  "  You've 
said  there's  nothing  to  fear." 

Mr  Atherton  kissed  his  daughter,  and  hurried 
away  with  Dr  Lennard. 

What  a  lifetime  to  Jean  that  short  half-hour 
seemed  !  She  could  settle  down  to  nothing.  She 
tried  the  piano.  The  sounds  jarred  upon  her 
nerves.  She  took  up  a  book.  The  letters  danced 
before  her  eyes. 

Then  she  went  into  the  verandah.  Lucknow, 
stretching  six  miles  along  the  banks  of  the  Ganges, 
lay  before  her.  The  city  seemed  an  endless  vista  of 
towers,  pinnacles,  cupolas,  turrets,  roofs  of  every 
size  and  shape  sharply  cutting  the  pale  blue  sky. 
The  white  stone,  wherever  the  moonbeams  fell  upon 
it,  looked  like  snow,  the  shadows  were  black  as 
ebony. 

But  save  the  whir  of  insects  all  was  still.  There 
was  nothing  to  cause  her  the  least  fear.  Yet  she 
dared  not  leave  the  verandah.  Somehow  it  seemed 
safer  there  than  inside  the  house.  She  could  see 
across  the  compound.  If  anyone  approached,  it 
could  not  be  without  her  knowledge. 

And  so  the  minutes  passed  till  she  saw,  to  her 
relief,  the  tall,  spare  form  of  her  father,  side  by  side 
with  Lennard's  more  robust  figure. 

She  could  not  restrain  her  impatience.  She  ran 
to  meet  them. 


44  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"  Is  the  news  true  ?  "  she  cried  anxiously.  "  Ah, 
I  can  see  by  your  faces  it  is !  " 

Mr  Atherton  paused  before  he  answered.  Then 
drawing  a  deep  breath,  he  said  : 

"  Too  true — unhappily,  too  true.  It's  time  we  in 
Lucknow  looked  to  ourselves.  To-morrow,  by  Sir 
Henry  Lawrence's  orders,  all  the  European  women 
and  children  are  to  take  up  their  quarters  in  the 
Residency.  We  must  make  our  preparations  for 
moving  to-night.  But  don't  frighten  yourself,  my 
dear,"  he  added  hastily.  "  It  doesn't  follow  from 
this  order  that  we  have  anything  to  fear.  Sir  Henry 
is  cautious,  and  likes  to  be  prepared  for  emergencies. 
Take  all  the  rest  you  can.  We  needn't  start  before 
daybreak,  and  that'll  be  in  four  hours'  time." 

"  And  what  will  you  do,  papa  ?  "  said  she,  placing 
her  hand  in  his. 

"  I  shall  sit  here.     I  feel  too  restless  to  sleep." 

"Shall  I  stay,  Atherton  ?  "  asked  Lennard.  "  I'd 
better  see  you  to  the  Residency.  I  don't  apprehend 
any  danger,  but  I  might  be  of  service  in  case  any- 
thing should  happen," 

"  Thanks,  Lennard,  you're  a  good  fellow,"  rejoined 
Atherton  heartily. 

The  doctor's  face  brightened,  not  so  much  at  the 
words  of  Mr  Atherton  as  at  the  grateful  look  of 
thanks  in  the  eloquent  eyes  of  his  daughter. 


CHAPTER   III 

THE   STORM   BURSTS 

JEAN  retired  to  her  room,  but  she  found  it  impos- 
sible to  sleep.  Tara,  her  ayah,  was  full  of  the 
news.  She  had  been  out  into  the  bazaar,  where 
the  intelligence  had  spread  like  wildfire,  exagger- 
ated, doubtless,  by  the  fervid  imagination  of  the 
natives. 

The  girl  gathered  that  the  news  had  come  to 
Lucknow  from  Agra,  as  all  communication  with 
Meerut  was  cut  off.  A  private  telegraphic  message, 
sent  by  the  sister  of  the  Meerut  postmaster  to  her 
aunt  at  Agra,  postponing  a  visit  as  disturbances  had 
broken  out  and  officers  had  been  killed,  was  the 
first  intimation  given  that  matters  had  taken  a 
serious  turn.  The  outbreak  occurred  about  five 
o'clock  on  Sunday ;  the  message  arrived  at  Agra  at 
nine.  From  that  hour  all  was  blank. 

Towards  morning  after  a  fitful  slumber  Jean 
awoke  with  a  start  and  a  half-suppressed  scream. 
Tara  was  moving  about  the  room,  making  prepara- 
tions for  their  departure,  and  the  pale  grey  light  of 
dawn  was  stealing  through  the  blinds. 

She  rose,  and  dressed  hastily,  and  joined  her 
father  and  Lennard,  when  she  found  a  pony  carriage 
was  in  readiness  at  the  door. 

"  We  can't  take  much  luggage,"  said  Mr  Atherton. 
"Just  a  change  or  two  of  clothing.  I  don't  suppose 

45 


46  LOVE   BESIEGED 

we  shall  remain  at  the  Residency  more  than  a  week," 
he  added. 

So  he  thought,  and  so  thought  scores  of  others  who 
at  that  moment  were  on  the  same  errand  as  himself. 
Had  they  been  told  they  were  destined  to  be  cooped 
up  in  the  Residency  walls  for  six  months  they 
would  have  laughed  the  idea  to  scorn. 

Lucknow  seemed  more  picturesque  than  ever  in 
the  golden  light  of  morning.  The  narrow  streets 
were  already  beginning  to  be  thronged,  but  no  one 
took  much  notice  of  the  pony  carriage.  They  met 
other  vehicles  containing  Europeans  proceeding 
towards  the  Residency,  and  Atherton  and  Lennard 
exchanged  greetings  with  their  many  friends,  but 
nothing  more.  It  was  not  safe  to  discuss  their  fears 
in  the  streets.  The  worst  thing  to  do  was  to  show 
any  sign  of  timidity  before  the  natives. 

At  last  they  arrived  at  the  outer  wall  enclosing 
a  number  of  official  buildings  in  the  centre  of  which 
was  the  imposing  and  elegant  structure  which  gave 
the  name  "  The  Residency  "  to  the  entire  locality. 

The  Residency  itself  contained  a  vast  number  of 
lofty  and  magnificently  decorated  rooms.  Extensive 
verandahs  and  noble  porticoes  were  among  its  ex- 
terior embellishments.  Besides  the  accommodation 
afforded  by  a  ground  floor  and  two  upper  storeys,  it 
possessed  a  tyekhana,  or  excavated  suite  of  hand- 
some apartments,  running  under  the  whole  super- 
structure, and  designed  to  shelter  the  inmates  from 
the  intense  heat  of  the -day.  These  apartments  were 
well  lighted  and  ventilated  by  shafts  and  basement 
windows.  The  extent  of  the  ground  occupied  by 
the  Residency  may  be  imagined  from  the  fact  that 
from  eight  hundred  to  a  thousand  persons  could 


THE   STORM   BURSTS  47 

find   accommodation   within    the    building    at   one 
time. 

The  Residency  was  situated  on  the  highest  point 
of  an  elevated  and  irregular  plateau,  sloping  down 
sharply  towards  the  river.  At  one  of  the  angles  of 
the  structure  was  an  octagonal  dome-crowned  tower. 
In  the  interior  of  this  tower  a  spiral  staircase  of  fine 
proportions  led  to  the  terraced  roof,  from  which  an 
extensive  view  of  the  whole  city  could  be  obtained. 
This  tower  was  of  the  utmost  use  during  the  soul- 
stirring  events  which  followed  thick  and  fast  after 
the  month  of  May. 

Within  the  Residency  all  was  confusion.  Ladies 
and  children  were  arriving  every  five  minutes,  and 
doing  their  best  to  locate  themselves  in  various  parts 
of  the  building.  The  accommodation,  ample  as  it  was, 
proved  none  too  large,  especially  as  one  spacious 
room  had  to  be  converted  into  a  sort  of  hospital 
ward  for  the  sick  men  of  the  32nd  Regiment,  who 
were  being  rapidly  brought  up  in  dhoolies. 

Every  day  showed  Sir  Henry  Lawrence  untiring 
in  his  exertions.  He  mixed  personally  among  the 
native  troops,  and  tried  to  find  out  their  real  feelings. 
He  could  discover  nothing  to  cause  alarm.  Yet 
there  might  be  disaffected  men,  and  these  he  deter- 
mined to  conciliate  by  holding  a  durbar,  at  which 
rewards  and  presents  should  be  distributed. 

Not  the  least  precaution  did  Sir  Henry  neglect. 
At  once  he  began  to  concentrate  the  little  European 
force  at  his  command,  and  reduce  the  number  of 
stations,  so  that  in  the  event  of  an  outbreak  the 
Europeans  might  not  be  cut  off  in  detail. 

"We  had  eight  posts,"  he  wrote  on  the  2Oth  of 
May,  to  Sir  Hugh  Wheeler,  who  at  Cavvnpore  was 


48  LOVE   BESIEGED 

preparing  for  the  worst.  "As  Sir  C.  Napier  would 
say,  we  are  like  chips  in  porridge.  We  have  given 
up  four  posts,  and  greatly  strengthened  three." 

The  chief  of  these  three  posts  was  the  Mutchee- 
bhawun.  This  fort,  which  derives  its  name  of  Mutchee 
(fish)  from  the  device  over  the  gateway,  and  Bhawun 
(Sanscrit  for  house),  occupied  a  commanding  position 
to  the  west  of  the  city  which  it  overlooked.  Cannon 
was  at  once  planted  on  its  walls,  and  where  that 
could  not  be  done,  the  deficiency  was  supplied  with 
"jingals,"  or  immense  blunderbusses  moving  on 
pivots. 

There  is  an  old  tradition  that  he  who  holds  the 
Mutcheebhawun  might  in  time  of  trouble  safely 
reckon  upon  an  army  as  numerous  as  the  fish  in  the 
Gumti  to  rally  round  his  standard.  This  tradition 
did  not  influence  Sir  Henry  Lawrence.  He  was 
more  inclined  to  believe  in  the  assertion  of  the 
natives  that,  if  the  fire  of  our  own  guns  did  not  bring 
down  the  place  about  our  ears,  the  fire  of  an  enemy 
would  soon  convert  it  into  a  ruin.  It  was  very  ancient 
and  difficult  to  make  secure. 

It  was  determined  to  convert  this  capacious  edifice 
into  a  great  storehouse  and  arsenal.  Provisions  of 
all  kinds  were  brought  and  carefully  stored  in  it. 
All  the  available  ordnance  and  ammunition  were 
collected  and  secured.  The  buildings  surrounding 
the  Residency,  dangerous  for  the  shelter  they  might 
afford  an  assailant,  were  demolished.  Nothing  but 
a  regard  for  the  religion  of  the  natives  induced 
Sir  Henry  to  allow  the  mosques,  from  which  a  fire 
might  be  directed  upon  the  Residency  with  terrible 
effect,  to  remain.  He  had  before  long  occasion  to 
bitterly  repent  his  forbearance. 


THE  STORM   BURSTS  49 

Within  a  week  all  the  ladies  and  children  were 
lodged  in  the  Residency,  and  by  degrees  something 
like  order  was  secured.  The  gardens  in  which  the 
buildings  were  situated  were  spacious,  and  there  was 
no  need  to  go  outside  the  walls  for  exercise. 

Despite  the  confirmation  of  the  alarming  news 
from  Meerut,  Sir  Henry  Lawrence  resolved  not  to 
depart  from  his  conciliatory  policy,  and  the  durbar 
was  held  as  he  had  arranged,  in  front  of  the  Resi- 
dency bungalow,  in  the  cantonments  about  three 
miles  from  the  city  proper. 

The  time  chosen  was  sunset,  and  Sir  Henry 
Lawrence,  attended  by  all  his  military  and  civil 
officers,  met  the  officers  of  the  native  army.  Address- 
ing them  in  Hindustani,  he  appealed  to  their  best 
feelings  as  soldiers  and  as  comrades. 

It  was  an  imposing  scene.  The  lawn  was  carpeted  ; 
the  seats  ranged  for  the  visitors  formed  three  sides  of 
a  square.  Behind  them  stood  groups  of  sepoys, 
eagerly  watching  the  proceedings,  and  listening  to 
the  words  which  fell  from  the  venerable  chief.  And 
visible  to  all  were  the  dresses  of  honour  and  the  trays 
of  presents  that  were  to  be  given  to  the  faithful 
soldiers  who  had  earned  these  rewards  by  their 
loyalty  and  devotion. 

The  proceedings  passed  off  quietly.  The  native 
officers  were  loud  in  their  professions  of  devotion  to 
the  British  Government,  and  it  was  hoped  that  all 
danger  was  at  an  end. 

The  result  was  anxiously  awaited  by  those  in  the 
Residency.  Mr  Atherton  was  jubilant.  He  had 
been  present  at  the  durbar,  and  was  convinced  that 
the  troops  as  well  as  the  officers  had  been  completely 
won  over. 


50  LOVE   BESIEGED 

He  found  his  daughter  and  most  of  the  other  ladies 
in  the  tyekhana,  the  underground  apartment  already 
described,  whither  they  had  gone  owing  to  the  intense 
heat. 

"  We  shall  be  back  in  our  own  house  in  a  day  or 
two,"  he  exclaimed. 

"  Mr  Martin  Gubbins  doesn't  think  so,"  said  a  tall, 
dark,  handsome  woman. 

Mr  Martin  Gubbins  was  the  commissioner  for 
Oudh. 

"  Gubbins  is  an  alarmist,  Mrs  Ross,"  returned  Mr 
Atherton.  "  Why,  he  commenced  fortifying  his  house 
long  before  Sir  Henry  thought  it  necessary  to  send 
you  all  into  the  Residency ;  and  wasn't  he  laughed 
at  for  doing  it  ?  " 

"  That  may  be,"  replied  the  lady,  with  a  languorous 
air,  "  but  Mr  Gubbins  is  in  a  position  to  know  best. 
He  wouldn't  have  taken  his  precautions  without 
good  cause.  I'm  afraid  the  trouble  isn't  at  an  end. 
I  suppose  I  may  be  allowed  to  know  something 
about  the  Hindoo  nature.  When  the  storm  breaks 
there'll  be  no  warning,  take  my  word  for  it ! " 

"  My  dear  Mrs  Ross,  you'll  alarm  my  daughter  if 
you  hold  such  gloomy  views.  You  forget  she's  just 
come  from  England,  and  hasn't  yet  overcome  the 
notion,  which  most  new-comers  have,  that  every 
native  carries  a  knife  concealed  somewhere  about 
him  for  the  express  purpose  of  murdering  someone, 
preferably  a  European." 

"  I  never  had  such  a  foolish  idea  as  that,  papa," 
protested  Jean. 

"  Your  father's  only  jesting,"  said  Mrs  Ross  quietly. 

Mrs  Ross  had  risen  while  speaking,  and  was  now 
gazing  out  of  the  window  into  the  Residency  gardens. 


THE   STORM   BURSTS  51 

"  Here's  Dr  Lennard,"  said  she  suddenly,  "  I  don't 
know  what  we  should  do  without  him.  He  has  never 
omitted  calling  upon  us  twice  a  day  to  tell  us  the 
latest  news.  Somebody  is  with  him,  I " 

She  stopped  abruptly.     Her  lips  went  very  white. 

She  turned  hastily  from  the  window. 

Mr  Atherton  was  standing  where  he  could  not  see 
Mrs  Ross.  He  did  not  hear  what  she  said.  In  fact, 
he  did  not  know  she  was  near. 

"  Who's  the  man  walking  with  Lennard  ?  It  looks 
uncommonly  like  Jack  Hawke!  But  surely  Captain 
Hawke  wouldn't  show  his  face  in  Lucknow  ! " 

The  man  next  Atherton  nudged  his  arm. 

"  Mrs  Ross  is  close  by,"  he  whispered. 

Mr  Atherton  shrugged  his  shoulders  and  said 
nothing.  He  remembered  the  scandal  associated 
with  Captain  Hawke  and  how  nearly  it  touched  Mrs 
Ross,  to  whose  sister,  Agnes,  Hawke  had  been 
engaged. 

Mrs  Ross  walked  away  with  a  gesture  of  anger  it 
was  impossible  to  mistake.  Jean  heard  her  words. 
Mrs  Ross  interested  her  immensely.  The  tall  hand- 
some woman — handsome  in  spite  of  her  somewhat 
sallow  complexion — suggested  romance. 

The  two  men  were  now  about  thirty  yards  from 
the  Residency,  and  Jean  looked  with  curiosity  at 
Lennard's  companion.  He  was  a  handsome  fellow 
whose  sunburnt  face  was  burnt  to  almost  the  same 
colour  as  his  tawny  hair  and  moustache.  His  figure 
was  erect  and  firmly  set,  despite  the  fact  that  he 
walked  with  a  slight  limp.  His  uniform  was  torn  and 
dusty,  his  boots  cracked,  and  altogether  he  looked 
worn  and  travel-stained.  Whatever  was  his  character, 
outwardly  he  was  picturesque. 


52  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Shortly  after  he  came  in  with  the  surgeon.  His 
reception  was  peculiar.  He  bowed  to  the  ladies,  but 
they  acknowledged  his  salutation  so  frigidly  it  could 
scarcely  be  said  to  be  an  acknowledgment  at  all. 
One  or  two  men  pointedly  turned  their  backs,  and 
others  pretended  not  to  recognise  him. 

"What  did  I  tell  you,  Lennard?"  he  growled 
savagely.  "  Why  did  you  persuade  me  to  come 
here  ?  I  was  a  fool !  I  ought  to  have  stayed  in  the 
cantonments.  All  my  chums  there  haven't  given 
me  the  cold  shoulder.  Isn't  it  deuced  droll  to  find 
that  the  men  gladdest  to  see  me  should  be  the  black- 
skinned  chaps — the  fellows  of  my  old  regiment?" 

"  Not  at  all,  Jack.  They  know  the  best  side  of 
you." 

"And  my  own  countrymen  its  worst.  Let's  get 
out  of  this." 

But  the  doctor  was  loth  to  go.  He  had  seen 
Jean,  and  the  sight  of  her  was  to  him  like  a  spring 
of  sparkling  water  to  a  thirsty  traveller.  All  the 
pulses  within  him — an  impassive,  unemotional  man 
as  he  was — were  stirred  by  this  girl  as  they  had 
never  been  stirred  before. 

"  Wait  a  moment,  Jack,"  Lennard  whispered, 
"  don't  be  in  such  a  confounded  hurry ! " 

Jack  Hawke  scarcely  heard  him.  His  face  was 
as  hard  as  flint,  and  his  eyes,  with  a  spark  of  sullen 
fierceness  in  them,  were  fixed  upon  Mrs  Ross,  who, 
after  meeting  his  gaze  for  a  couple  of  seconds,  turned 
away  abruptly,  and  soon  after  left  the  tyekhana. 

"Curse  her!"  Lennard  heard  him  mutter.  "But 
for  that  woman  I  might  be  holding  up  my  head  with 
the  best." 

The  young  doctor  pressed  his  arm  sympathisingly. 


THE   STORM   BURSTS  53 

"And  so  you  can  now,"  said  Lennard.  "  I've  but 
to  tell  the  story  of  your  doings  for  the  past  fortnight, 
and  there's  not  a  man  who  won't  be  proud  to  shake 
you  by  the  hand,  nor  a  woman  who  would  refuse  to 
kiss  you." 

"  Bah  !  Don't  talk  of  women.  Mind,  Ernest,  not 
a  word  of  the  horrible  business  at  Delhi." 

"  If  you  wish  it,  I'll  hold  my  tongue  ;  but  it  can't 
be  kept  a  secret  long,  and  then  you'll  be  a  hero. 
Atherton,  you  remember  Captain  Hawke  ?  " 

Lennard  had  by  this  time  led  him  to  where  Jean 
was. 

"  Yes,  certainly,"  said  Atherton  frankly,  extending 
his  hand,  and  grasping  Hawke's  heartily. 

"  Thank  you,  Mr  Atherton,  I've  not  forgotten 
that  you  stuck  up  for  me  at  a  time  when  it  was  with 
Jack  Hawke  a  case  of  give  a  dog  a  bad  name." 

"  I  know — I  know.  The  past  is  all  buried.  This 
isn't  a  time  for  certificates  of  good  character.  We 
want  men  who  can  fight.  No  one  can  fight  harder 
than  you,  Captain  Hawke." 

"By  heaven,  Atherton,  you're  right,"  cried 
Lennard,  emphatically. 

Then  Lennard  turned  to  Jean  with  a  somewhat 
embarrassed  air.  He  shook  hands  with  her,  but 
said  not  a  word  concerning  his  companion,  although 
it  was  obvious  from  Jean's  expression  she  expected 
he  would  do  so.  Lennard  looked  very  embarrassed, 
and  cast  a  glance  towards  Mr  Atherton,  as  if  asking 
him  to  come  to  his  rescue,  but  the  magistrate 
remained  quiescent. 

Meanwhile  Hawke  stood  cap  in  hand,  and,  now 
that  he  was  bare-headed,  handsomer  than  ever, 
despite  the  cloud  on  his  brow,  and  his  tightly  com- 


54  LOVE   BESIEGED 

pressed  lips.  He  gave  Jean  one  swift  glance  and 
then  abruptly  turned  away,  as  if  to  relieve  Lennard 
of  all  embarrassment. 

"I  was  an  ass  to  come  here — I'm  going  back  to 
the  cantonments,"  he  said  in  a  low  voice  to  the 
surgeon,  "but  you  stay.  I  won't  take  you  from 
your  friends." 

"  Wait  one  moment  in  the  gardens,"  said  Lennard 
hurriedly  "  Atherton  and  I  will  join  you  there. 
Will  you  excuse  us,  Miss  Atherton?  " 

"  How  troubled  he  looks,"  thought  Jean,  with  a 
little  bow  of  acquiescence.  "Can  anything  have 
happened  ?  " 

She  watched  her  father  and  the  doctor  walk  away 
arm  in  arm.  Jack  Hawke  had  preceded  them. 

"  Miss  Atherton,"  said  a  voice  behind  her. 

She  turned  and  saw  Mrs  Ross.  A  singular  change 
had  come  over  the  woman.  Her  countenance 
seemed  convulsed  with  passion. 

"  I  hope  Dr  Lennard  hasn't  been  so  indiscreet  as 
to  introduce  that  man  to  you  ? "  she  cried. 

"You  mean  Captain  Hawke?  No.  But  why 
not  ?  What  is  there  against  him  ? " 

"  Everything.  He's  a  man  no  decent  woman 

ought  to  know.  Some  day But  I  won't  trouble 

you  with  an  old  scandal.  I'm  surprised  Lennard 
should  have  brought  him  here.  Thank  heaven  no 
harm's  been  done.  His  reception  must  have  con- 
vinced him  his  conduct's  neither  forgotten  nor  for- 
given. I  congratulate  you,  my  dear,  on  your  having 
escaped  making  the  acquaintance  of  Captain  Hawke.'' 

Before  Jean  could  ask  for  an  explanation  Mrs 
Ross  was  gone,  leaving  the  girl  both  pained  and 
puzzled. 


THE   STORM   BURSTS  55 

"  I  dared  not  introduce  Jack  Havvke  to  Miss 
Atherton,"  said  Lennard  to  the  magistrate  as  they 
walked  across  the  tyekhana.  "  Had  I  acted  accord- 
ing to  my  own  opinion  and  judgment  I  should  have 
had  no  hesitation  in  so  doing ;  but  I  left  it  for  you 
to  do  so  if  you  thought  fit." 

"You  were  right,"  said  the  magistrate  after  a 
pause.  "  I  really  believe  Hawke  is  innocent,  but 
when  a  man  acts  as  if  he  were  guilty  it  wants  some 
courage  to  go  in  the  face  of  public  opinion.  At  all 
events,  at  present  I  don't  feel  justified  in  recognising 
him  to  the  extent  of  making  him  a  friend  of  Jean's.'' 

"  It  doesn't  very  much  matter,"  returned  Lennard 
a  little  coldly.  "  Before  long  we  shall  need  all  the 
friends  we  can  muster.  We  won't  discuss  Hawke 
now,  but  rather  the  frightful  tidings  he  has  brought. 
Atherton,  it's  horrible !  Delhi's  in  the  hands  of  the 
rebels  and  they've  been  murdering  right  and  left !  " 

"  Great  God  !  It  can't  be  true — the  miscreants  !  " 
exclaimed  Atherton. 

"  It  is  true.  Hawke  escaped  by  a  miracle,  and 
reached  here  he  scarcely  knows  how.  For  two  days 
he  carried  a  wounded  comrade  on  his  back.  The 
man  is  now  in  the  cantonment  barracks,  and  will 
tell  you  much  more  of  Hawke's  pluck  and  endurance 
than  you'll  get  out  of  Hawke  himself." 

Jack  Hawke  was  walking,  or  rather  limping, 
slowly  in  front,  and  the  magistrate,  greatly  moved, 
ran  to  him  and  placed  his  hand  on  his  shoulder. 

"Hawke,"  he  exclaimed,  "tell  me  about — about 
this  horrible  catastrophe.  Is  it  so  bad?" 

"  It's  as  bad  as  it  can  be,"  answered  Hawke, 
tugging  savagely  at  his  moustache.  "Todd,  of  the 
Telegraph  -  office,  Fraser,  the  Commissioner,  Mr 


56  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Jennings    and    his    daughter     and    Miss    Clifford, 

Colonel  Ripley,  Captain  Burrowes My  God  !  I 

can't  go  on  with  the  list ;  it's  too  awful !  " 

"  My  dear  fellow,  what  do  you  mean  ?  "  cried  Mr 
Atherton. 

"  What  do  I  mean,  man  ?  I  mean  that  they're 
all  dead — murdered,  butchered — and  scores  more  ! 
I  shall  never  forget  the  sight — never!  Imagine 
seeing  your  comrades,  men  whom  you  had  laughed 
and  joked  with  in  the  morning,  lying  in  the  afternoon 
dead,  side  by  side,  some  almost  unrecognisable. 
What  the  man  in  command  at  Meerut  can  be  about 
I  can't  conceive.  Meerut's  only  a  thirty-six  miles' 
ride  from  Delhi,  yet  no  one  seems  to  have  thought 
of  sending  on  the  news  of  the  bad  business  there- 
The  arrival  of  the  mutinous  sepoys,  fresh  from  the 
murder  of  Colonel  Finnis  and  the  massacre  of  others 
— men  and  women — was  the  first  intimation  we  had 
at  Delhi  that  anything  was  wrong.  Even  then  the 
devils  might  have  been  pursued.  There  were  plenty 
of  troops  at  Meerut  to  do  it,  but  no  one  to  give 
them  orders." 

"  But  General  Hewitt " 

"General  Hewitt  simply  sat  still.  Don't  talk  of 
it.  It's  cruel — cruel.  The  most  ghastly  thing  in 
English  history,  and  to  think  that  it  might  have 
been  prevented — my  God  ! " 

"  Still  there  were  European  troops  in  Delhi." 

"  Oh  yes,  there  were  troops — a  mere  handful ;  but 
what  could  we  do  with  a  city  seven  miles  in  cir- 
cumference to  defend,  with  enemies  without  and 
mutiny  within?" 

"But  you  did  something?" 

"Yes,  we   did    something.     Willoughby  and   his 


THE   STORM   BURSTS  57 

eight  men  blew  up  the  magazine,  and  sent  a  thousand 
or  so  of  the  devils  to  perdition.  Scully,  the  plucky 
fellow  who  fired  the  train,  perished  in  the  explosion, 
and  so  did  Sergeant  Edwards.  I  wish  I'd  gone  with 
them.  No  such  luck.  Lennard,  old  chap,  I'm  off  to 
the  cantonments.  I  shall  see  you  later  on.  Good- 
bye, Mr  Atherton." 

He  strode  away  with  the  fierce  hunger  for  revenge 
shining  in  his  eyes. 

"  He  hasn't  said  a  word  about  himself,"  cried 
Lennard.  "That's  just  like  Jack  Hawke.  I'll  tell 
you  what  his  comrade  said.  At  the  last  moment  his 
regiment,  the  38th,  turned  against  their  officers.  A 
few  surrounded  Major  Abbott,  who  was  very  popular, 
and  forced  him  out,  shutting  the  main  guard  gate  so 
that  he  shouldn't  return  and  be  killed.  Hawke  was 
among  the  officers  left  behind.  He  was  about  to 
make  a  jump  from  the  ramparts  into  the  ditch  when 
he  heard  the  scream  of  women.  He  and  another 
man  rushed  back,  rescued  two  ladies,  and  making  a 
rope  with  their  handkerchiefs,  lowered  them  safely 
into  the  ditch.  They  made  their  way  to  the  river 
and  lay  in  hiding.  Hawke  was  the  only  one  of  the 
party  who  could  swim,  and  he  got  his  friend  and  the 
two  women  across  safely.  Then  after  terrible  priva- 
tions, to  say  nothing  of  being  attacked  by  three 
troopers — two  of  whom  Hawke  killed  single-handed 
— his  friend  was  wounded  and  almost  hors  de  combat 
— they  reached  a  village  where  the  natives  were 
friendly,  and  here  the  women  were  left — indeed,  they 
couldn't  travel  any  farther — and  Hawke  and  his 
friend  came  on  to  Lucknow  to  bring  the  news." 

"  How  brave  of  him  !  " 

Lennard  started.     Unperceived.  Jean  had  joined 


58  LOVE   BESIEGED 

them.  She  was  too  anxious  to  remain  any  longer 
in  the  tyekhana. 

"  Go  back — go  back,  Jean,"  said  her  father  im- 
patiently, almost  harshly.  "Don't  you  know  the 
danger  of  sunstroke?" 

The  girl  looked  wistfully  from  her  father  to 
Lennard  as  if  seeking  an  explanation  from  the  latter  ; 
the  doctor  was  impassive. 

"  I  must  insist,  my  dear,"  reiterated  the  magistrate. 

Jean  did  not  contest  the  point,  but  slowly  turned 
to  the  Residency  with  a  disappointed  look  on  her 
face. 

"The  women  had  better  not  know  of  this  fresh 
disaster,"  said  Atherton.  "  It  will  only  increase  their 
apprehensions,  though  I  still  maintain  there's  nothing 
to  fear  in  Lucknow." 

"  I  hope  so,"  said  Lennard  curtly.  "  At  all  events, 
we  may  know  more  before  to-night.  I'm  going  now 
to  see  what  gossip  I  can  pick  up.  You  know  I've 
many  friends  among  the  bazaar  people." 

They  parted,  the  magistrate  returning  to  the 
Residency,  and  the  doctor  passing  into  the  city. 


CHAPTER   IV 

AT  GUN   FIRE 

THE  following  day  was  Sunday,  the  3Oth  May — a 
day  ever  to  be  remembered  in  the  history  of  Luck- 
now.  Everything  went  on  with  its  usual  routine.  A 
religious  service  was  held  which  all  the  European 
troops  in  the  cantonments  attended.  Sir  Henry 
Lawrence,  as  was  his  custom  on  Sunday  evening, 
invited  his  staff  to  dine  with  him  at  the  Residency 
bungalow. 

It  was  the  quarter  of  an  hour  before  dinner.  Sir 
Henry  Lawrence  was  surrounded  by  a  group  of 
officers  who  were  talking  eagerly  on  the  position  of 
affairs.  Sir  Henry  took  very  little  part  in  the  con- 
versation, he  preferred  to  listen. 

Lennard,  who  had  been  invited,  was  that  evening 
more  than  usually  impressed  by  the  man  upon  whom 
so  much  depended.  The  sight  of  his  attenuated  but 
soldier-like  form,  the  eyes  already  sunken  with 
sleeplessness,  the  forehead  furrowed  with  anxious 
thought,  the  soft  hair  cut  short  on  the  head,  the  long 
wavy  beard  descending  to  his  breast,  presented  a 
noble  and  pathetic  picture.  Of  all  the  men  who 
came  to  the  front,  in  that  terribfe  time,  not  one  was 
so  beloved  as  Sir  Henry  Lawrence. 

"Is  it  true?"  exclaimed  a  young  lieutenant,  "that 
that  unlucky  beggar  Jack  Hawke  has  been  seen  in 
Lucknow?" 

59 


60  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"Quite  true,"  replied  the  adjutant  of  the  7ist.  "  I 
met  him  looking  as  if  he  had  just  come  back  from  a 
tiger-hunt,  and  had  had  a  severe  mauling.  I  could 
get  nothing  out  of  him.  He  was  inquiring  for  you, 
Sir  Henry.  Did  he  succeed  in  finding  you?" 

"  Yes,"  was  the  answer.     "  I  saw  him." 

Lennard  watched  the  commissioner  narrowly. 
Hawke  must  have  made  him  acquainted  with  the 
horrible  details  of  the  Delhi  murders,  but  by  not  the 
movement  of  a  muscle  did  the  staunch  old  man 
betray  the  possession  of  his  knowledge.  It  was  clear 
that  besides  Hawke  and  his  comrade  there  were  only 
three  Europeans  in  Lucknow  who  at  that  moment 
knew  of  the  Delhi  tragedies.  Those  were  Sir  Henry 
Lawrence,  Atherton  and  Lennard  himself. 

The  conversation  suddenly  turned  upon  Hawke. 
He  was  freely  discussed,  the  majority  lamenting  that 
so  promising  a  young  fellow  should  have  gone  to  the 
bad.  Drink,  betting,  gambling,  dissipation  of  various 
kinds — Jack  Hawke  had  indulged  in  all  the  social 
vices. 

A  good  many  of  the  men  had  been  Hawke's  chums ; 
and  so  engrossing  was  the  topic  that  it  was  con- 
tinued after  the  dinner  was  commenced. 

"  It's  the  old  story,"  said  the  adjutant.  "  A  woman 
was  at  the  bottom  of  his  misfortunes.  He  was  madly 
in  love  with  Agnes  D'Arcy,  and  they  were  engaged. 
Then  she  jilted  him,  and  he  went  to  the  devil  as  fast 
as  he  could." 

"  Didn't  he  pay  a  great  deal  of  attention  to  that 
pretty  widow,  Mrs  Sandilands,  at  the  time  he  was 
engaged  to  Miss  D'Arcy?"  asked  Major  Walters  of 
the  1 3th  Native  Infantry. 

"What  of  that?"  exclaimed  the  adjutant.     "Mrs 


AT  GUN    FIRE  61 

Sandilands  was  an  awful  flirt,  and  all  the  fellows  went 
mad  over  her." 

"  But,"  said  Colonel  Lambert,  "  nothing  excuses  his 
dishonourable  and  shameful  act  afterwards.  I  mean 
the  writing  of  the  anonymous  letters  to  George 
Holcombe,  who  married  Agnes  D'Arcy." 

"  That  was  never  proved  against  him,  and  he  denied 
it,"  said  the  adjutant. 

"  Well,  the  handwriting  was  exactly  like  his.  His 
own  orderly  swore  he  posted  the  letters  for  his 
master,  and  when  Holcombe  challenged  Hawke,  he 
refused  to  fight." 

"  That  wasn't  because  he  was  afraid  of  losing 
Jack  Hawke's  one  of  the  best  swordsmen  in  the 
service,  and  a  crack  shot  besides,"  put  in  Lieutenant 
Savage  of  the  7 1st. 

"Hang  it  all,"  said  the  pompous  colonel, "he  was 
glad  enough  to  exchange  into  another  regiment  and 
get  out  of  Lucknow.  That  doesn't  look  like  innocence. 
I  hope  I  sha'n't  have  to  meet  him  :  I  shall  feel  bound 
to  give  him  a  piece  of  my  mind." 

"  How  generous,"  whispered  a  pert  young  ensign 
to  his  neighbour,  "  considering  how  little  he  has  to 
give." 

Sir  Henry  Lawrence  was  apparently  either  in- 
different to  this  talk  or  he  did  not  hear  it.  He  was 
engaged  in  an  earnest  conversation  with  Lennard. 

Colonel  Lambert  had  just  expressed  his  determina- 
tion of  acting  the  part  of  the  censor  when  the  door 
opened,  and  in  walked  the  very  man  about  whom 
they  had  been  talking — Jack  Hawke. 

The  wagging  of  tongues  instantly  ceased.  Half 
of  the  diners  looked  at  Hawke,  the  other  half  at  Sir 
Henry  Lawrence. 


62  LOVE   BESIEGED 

The  latter  rose  and,  beckoning  to  the  new-comer, 
said  : 

"  Captain  Hawke,  will  you  come  to  this  end  of  the 
table  ?  I've  had  a  seat  reserved  for  you." 

"  A  slap  in  the  face  for  Lambert,"  muttered  the 
ensign.  "  What  will  he  do  now  ?  " 

The  colonel  did  what  was  wisest  under  the  cir- 
cumstances— he  held  his  tongue. 

Hawke  three  hours  before  had  reported  himself  to 
Sir  Henry,  and  the  latter  had  sent  him  to  make 
cautious  inquiries  as  to  the  state  of  affairs.  A  better 
man  than  Jack  Hawke  could  not  have  been  selected 
for  the  duty. 

Before  he  had  been  transferred  to  the  38th  Native 
Infantry  he  was  a  captain  in  the  7ist,  stationed  at 
Lucknow  and  idolised  by  his  men. 

But  this  was  some  time  since.  The  7lst  were  now 
regarded  by  Sir  Henry  Lawrence  with  considerable 
suspicion.  And,  indeed,  but  a  few  days  before 
Hawke's  arrival,  a  number  of  the  sepoys  belonging 
to  the  regiment  had  been  removed  from  the  Mutchee- 
bhawun  on  account  of  their  suspected  disaffection, 
and  were  stationed  in  the  city. 

"  Well,  have  you  found  out  anything,  Hawke  ? " 
said  Sir  Henry  in  a  low  voice  when  Jack  was 
seated. 

"  Yes.  A  man  of  my  old  company  told  me  that  at 
gun  fire  the  signal  to  mutiny  would  be  given." 

Sir  Henry  heard  this  disquieting  piece  of  news 
with  perfect  equanimity. 

"  And  what  did  you  answer?  "  he  asked. 

"  I  laughed  ;  but  all  the  same,  made  inquiries  else- 
where to  see  if  I  could  find  any  confirmation,  but  I 
could  learn  nothing.  Anyhow,  the  fellow  was  so 


AT   GUN    FIRE  63 

positive,  I'm  afraid  there's  something  in  it.  Have 
you  any  commands  for  me,  Sir  Henry  ?  " 

"  Only  that  you  should  make  a  good  dinner.  You 
have  a  good  deal  of  leeway  to  make  up  in  that 
direction,"  said  Sir  Henry,  with  a  kindly  smile. 

Hawke  made  no  reply,  but  fell  to,  heedless  of  the 
astonished  glances  which  were  directed  towards  him 
from  all  sides. 

Gun  fire  was  at  nine  o'clock,  and  swiftly  the 
minutes  went  by,  then  in  the  midst  of  the  talk  came 
the  sullen  boom  of  a  single  cannon. 

Sir  Henry  leaned  forward,  and  said  almost  jest- 
ingly to  Hawke : 

"  Your  friends  are  not  punctual." 

Scarcely  were  the  words  out  of  his  mouth  when 
the  rattle  of  musketry  shook  the  bungalow. 

The  Mutiny  in  Lucknow  had  begun. 

At  the  sound  of  that  volley,  the  ominous  meaning 
of  which  all  knew,  Sir  Henry  Lawrence  sprang  to 
his  feet,  as  did  the  officers. 

"  Gentlemen,"  he  cried,  "  if  we  have  coolness  and 
courage,  it  is  now  the  time  to  show  both.  Each  one 
knows  his  duty.  To  the  lines." 

Not  an  instant  was  to  be  lost.  Already  a  young 
lieutenant  had  rushed  to  the  stables  to  hurry  round 
the  horses. 

Lennard  turned  and  looked  at  Jack  Hawke. 
Hawke's  face  was  that  of  a  man  who  had  nerved 
himself  to  do  some  terrible  deed. 

"  Lennard,"  he  muttered  hoarsely,  "  I've  been 
through  the  horrors  of  Delhi.  I  know  what  these 
devils  will  do  if  they  once  lose  their  heads.  I've  got 
a  long  score  to  wipe  out  in  blood  before  I  shall  be 
satisfied.  If  they'd  only  stayed  their  hand  when 


64  LOVE   BESIEGED 

they  came  to  the  women  !  But  they  didn't — and  the 
poor  little  youngsters  too.  What  about  the  Residency 
—is  it  safe  ?  " 

"Yes,  I  feel  sure  it  is — at  least,  for  the  present. 
Sir  Henry  has  taken  care  of  that." 

"  He's  a  brick.  There's  one  woman  there  whom  I 
hate,  but  I  suppose  I  should  save  her  life,  even  though 
she  mightn't  thank  me.  There's  another — well,  I 
know  little  about  her ;  but  I  think  she'd  be  worth 
dying  for — the  girl  that  neither  you  nor  her  father 
would  introduce  me  to,  and  you  were  quite  right. 
Everybody  knows  I'm  a  blackguard,  but  blackguards 
can  sometimes  fight.  I  wonder  if  Sir  Henry  has  a 
spare  mount  for  me?  If  not,  I  can  walk." 

Hawke  spoke  in  jerks.  His  manner  almost  sug- 
gested he  was  talking  to  himself  rather  than  to 
Lennard.  Meanwhile  the  two  were  crowding  out 
with  the  staff  to  the  verandah,  where  Sir  Henry  was 
awaiting  his  horse. 

The  moon  was  shining  brilliantly,  and  everything 
— bushes,  trees  and  buildings — stood  out  with  micro- 
scopic sharpness.  The  volley  of  musketry  had  been 
succeeded  by  a  few  dropping  shots,  but  now  there 
was  a  pause  of  silence,  the  significance  of  which  no 
one  could  fathom. 

Suddenly  fierce  shouts  of  exultation  were  heard  in 
the  distance,  and  the  next  moment  a  tongue  of  flame 
shot  into  the  air,  followed  by  another  and  another. 
It  was  the  firing  of  the  mess-house  bungalow,  and 
the  dry  wood  crackled  and  blazed  with  fury. 

Sir  Henry  and  his  staff  were  standing  in  the  full 
glare  of  the  fierce  ruddy  light,  and  all  their  faces  were 
recognisable.  At  that  very  moment  the  soubadhar 
of  the  sepoy  guard  on  duty  for  the  night  at  the 


AT   GUN   FIRE  65 

Residency  bungalow  brought  up  his  men,  and  halted 
them  facing  the  group  of  officers  under  the  verandah. 

This,  of  course,  was  only  in  the  ordinary  course  of 
things,  but  to-night  in  the  light  of  that  blazing 
bungalow,  which  was  signalling  to  the  million  in- 
habitants of  the  city  that  rebellion  had  broken  out, 
who  could  say  what  it  might  mean  ? 

Going  up  to  Captain  Wilson  and  saluting  him,  the 
soubadhar  said  : 

"  Shall  I  order  the  guard  to  load  with  ball  ?  " 

Captain  Wilson  would  not  take  upon  himself  to 
decide  such  a  point  at  so  critical  a  period. 

"Are  the  men  to  load  with  ball,  Sir  Henry?"  said 
he,  turning  to  the  commissioner. 

Sir  Henry  Lawrence  answered  without  a  moment's 
hesitation  : 

"  Yes,  let  them  load." 

"  My  God,"  said  Hawke  in  a  low  voice,  "  that's 
plucky.  He  trusts  them.  Well,  perhaps  it's  the 
right  thing." 

The  loading  then  began,  Sir  Henry  and  the  officers 
standing  motionless  as  statues  in  the  glare  of  the 
fire.  The  thud  of  ramming  down  the  cartridges  was 
distinctly  heard,  and  sounded  like  a  menace.  Then 
the  sepoys  brought  their  muskets  to  the  capping 
position.  The  caps  were  adjusted.  What  was  to 
happen  next? 

All  waited  in  anxious  suspense. 

Sir  Henry  Lawrence  and  other  responsible  mili- 
tary chiefs  of  the  British  force  were  at  the  mercy  of 
these  men.  One  bolder  than  the  rest,  with  the  spirit 
of  rebellion  at  his  heart,  could  at  that  moment  have 
decided  the  fate  of  the  city,  and  the  fate  of  those 
who  from  the  upper  windows  of  the  Residency  were 

E 


66  LOVE  BESIEGED 

anxiously  watching  the  red  angry  glare  to  the  north- 
ward, and  tremblingly  listening  for  a  renewal  of  the 
firing. 

There  was  not  one  of  these  calm  European  men 
standing  within  the  portico  of  the  Residency  who 
did  not  feel  that  their  lives  hung  upon  the  merest 
chance.  But  not  an  action,  not  a  gesture,  not 
a  word  betrayed  what  was  in  their  minds. 

The  capping  was  finished,  the  last  movement 
would  decide  the  point.  The  word  of  command 
rang  out  sharply.  The  guard  shouldered  their 
rifles.  They  marched  to  their  posts.  The  crisis 
was  past. 

The  next  moment  the  horses  arrived,  and  Sir 
Henry  swung  himself  into  the  saddle.  Then,  fol- 
lowed by  his  staff,  he  started  for  the  lines. 

At  first  it  was  thought  that  the  ringleaders  of  the 
outbreak  were  the  disaffected  men  of  the  ?ist  Native 
Infantry,  who,  as  already  mentioned,  had  been  re- 
moved from  the  Mutcheebhawun  to  the  city.  This 
proved  to  be  not  so.  The  real  instigators  were  the 
men  of  another  company  of  the  same  regiment  in 
the  cantonments.  These  turned  out  and  commenced 
firing,  while  a  body  of  about  forty  made  straight  for 
the  mess-house,  ransacked  it  and  set  it  on  fire.  The 
officers  were  everywhere  on  the  alert.  Hearing  the 
volley  they  at  once  left  their  messes,  and  rushed  to 
the  lines  to  try  and  reason  with  the  men.  All  this 
happened  simultaneously  with  the  departure  of  Sir 
Henry  Lawrence  and  his  staff  from  the  Residency 
bungalow. 

Lennard  and  Hawke  were  left  standing  beneath 
the  verandah.  They  watched  the  officers  gallop 
away,  and  not  until  the  party  had  skirted  a  line  of 


AT  GUN   FIRE  67 

buildings  on  the  left,  and  were  lost  to  sight,  did  the 
two  men  speak. 

"  We're  in  for  it  now,  Lennard,"  said  Hawke,  draw- 
ing a  deep  breath.  "  I'm  off  to  the  stables.  If  I  can 
find  a  horse  I  won't  be  left  out  in  the  cold  when 
fighting's  to  be  done." 

Without  waiting  for  Lennard's  reply,  Jack  Hawke 
strode  away. 

The  young  doctor  stood  vaguely  watching  the 
flickering  flames.  Hawke's  reference  to  Jean 
Atherton  as  a  girl  worth  dying  for  was  still  in  his 
memory. 

"Worth  dying  for?"  he  muttered.  "Yes— a 
thousand  times  yes.  But  better  worth  living  for. 
If  Jack  Hawke  should  fall  in  love  with  her,  and  she 
with  him,  what  chance  have  I  ?  Jack  pretends  to 
despise  women.  That's  all  moonshine.  And  she — 
well,  women  don't  altogether  dislike  a  handsome 
reprobate.  She  said  '  How  brave  of  him.'  And 
it  was  my  praise  of  Jack  which  caused  her  to  utter 
the  words." 

He  spoke  aloud  with  a  bitterness  in  his  voice  he 
could  not  repress. 

"  Bah,"  he  continued,  almost  fiercely,  "  what  does 
it  matter?  Maybe  all  that  either  Hawke  or  I  can 
do  will  be  to  die  for  her." 

A  rapid  step  on  the  verandah  caused  him  to  turn. 
It  was  Hawke. 

"  All  the  horses  are  gone,"  cried  the  latter. 

"  What  are  you  going  to  do  ?  "  asked  the  doctor. 

"  How  can  1  tell  ?  I  can't  stop  here  anyway. 
Perhaps  my  old  company  of  the  /ist  may  listen  to 
me.  They  would  once,  I'll  swear.  It  would  be 
funny  if  the  man  who  was  almost  drummed  out  of 


68  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Lucknow  turned  out  to  be  of  use,  wouldn't  it? 
What  will  you  do — stay  here  ? " 

"  No,"  said  Lennard  slowly.  "  I  shall  try  and  get 
to  the  Residency.  The  women  will  be  anxious  to 
know  what's  going  on.  I  may  be  able  to  ascertain 
something  on  the  way." 

"  The  Residency,"  exclaimed  Hawke,  twisting  his 
moustache.  "  Yes,  you're  right.  Lennard,"  he 
added  after  a  pause,  "  each  of  us  carries  his  life  in 
his  hands.  If  you  should  never  see  me  again,  say 
a  good  word  for  me  to  that  brown-eyed  little  girl. 
She  will  probably  hear  a  few  lies  from  Mrs  Ross 
about  Jack  Hawke,  and  I  should  like  her  to  know 
the  truth." 

"  Do  you  mean  Jean  Atherton  ? "  said  Lennard 
huskily. 

"  Yes.  I  can't  explain  why,  Lennard  ;  but  I  swear 
to  you  that  when  I  looked  into  the  soft  eyes  of  that 
girl  I  felt  as  though  I  had  been  seeking  her  all  my 
life,  and  had  at  last  found  her." 

Lennard  made  no  reply.  He  understood  Hawke 
perfectly.  He  had  had  the  same  feeling  himself. 

At  that  moment  the  sharp  rattle  of  musketry  fire 
awoke  the  echoes. 

"Musical,  isn't  it?"  cried  Hawke.  "What  busi- 
ness have  I  to  be  standing  here  talking  like  a  love- 
sick fool  when  there's  work  to  be  done  ?  Good-bye 
old  chap." 

And  turning  abruptly,  he  rushed  into  the  night. 

The  cantonments  were  northward  of  the  city  and 
to  get  to  the  latter  Lennard  would  have  to  cross  the 
bridge  over  the  River  Gumti.  The  Residency  lay 
a  little  to  the  left  of  the  bridge. 

Cautiously  he  proceeded.     It  was  a  night  of  doubt, 


AT   GUN   FIRE  69 

distrust,  chaos.  No  one  knew  exactly  the  extent 
of  the  disaffection.  The  majority  of  the  7ist  were 
not  to  be  relied  upon,  but  a  faithful  few  had  not 
wavered  in  their  allegiance. 

But  there  were  the  48th,  the  I3th,  the  7th  Light 
cavalry  at  Mudkheepore,  about  three  miles  away 
from  the  cantonments,  to  be  reckoned  with  also- 
All  the  force  that  Sir  Henry  Lawrence  had  was 
a  portion  of  one  solitary  regiment  of  British  soldiers 
— the  32nd.  The  Europeans,  military  and  civil, 
amounted  to  about  900,  of  whom  only  300  were 
soldiers,  and  this  handful  might  have  to  engage  in 
a  hand-to-hand  struggle  with  over  4000  troops,  fully 
equipped  and  trained  to  arms  by  European  officers. 

When  Sir  Henry  Lawrence  rode  from  the 
Residency  bungalow  that  night  to  quell,  if  possible, 
the  rising  storm,  he  knew  full  well  the  formidable 
task  which  lay  before  him.  On  the  very  afternoon 
of  the  3Oth,  some  six  hours  before  the  volley  of 
musketry  gave  the  signal  for  the  sepoys  to  rise,  he 
wrote  to  Mr  Raikes,  judge  at  Agra. 

"  If  the  Commander-in-Chief  delay  much  longer, 
he  may  have  to  recover  Cawnpore,  Lucknow, 
Allahabad — indeed,  all  down  to  Calcutta.  While 
we  are  entrenching  two  posts  in  the  city  —  i.e.  the 
Residency  and  the  Mutcheebhawun — we  are  virtually 
besieging  four  regiments  (in  a  quiet  way)  with  300 
Europeans.  Not  a  very  pleasant  diversion  from  my 
civil  duties.  I  am  daily  in  the  town  four  miles  off 
for  some  hours ;  but  I  reside  in  the  cantonments, 
guarded  by  the  gentlemen  we  are  besieging." 

Lennard  knew  the  terrible  situation  quite  as  well 
as  if  he  had  read  the  Commissioner's  letter.  And 
as  he  cast  his  eyes  round,  and  saw  a  circle  of  fire 


70  LOVE   BESIEGED 

gradually  gathering,  he  shuddered.  He  knew  that 
Lucknow  had  been  drawn  into  the  vortex  of 
rebellion.  On  all  sides  the  officers'  bungalows  were 
being  fired.  A  hailstorm  of  musketry  shots,  now 
near,  now  far  away,  seemed  to  be  descending.  The 
fierce  shouts  mingled  together  sounded  like  the  roar 
of  an  angry  sea. 

Yet  he  almost  reached  the  lines  of  the  7ist  without 
meeting  a  soul.  It  was  only  when  he  was  within 
five  hundred  yards  or  so  of  the  native  barracks  that 
he  heard  the  sound  of  a  horse's  hoofs  and  the  jingling 
of  arms  and  accoutrements. 

Were  they  friends  or  foes  ? 

The  next  half  minute  decided  the  question.  That 
solid  tramp,  tramp  could  not  belong  to  the  sepoys. 
It  was  the  march  of  the  British  soldiers.  The 
commander  now  came  in  sight.  Lennard  at  once 
recognised  him.  It  was  Brigadier  Handscomb,  as 
fine  an  old  soldier  as  ever  put  on  uniform.  A  com- 
pany of  the  32nd  followed  him,  and  they  came  on 
at  the  double. 

At  the  same  moment  appeared  a  mass  of  dusky 
heads  and  white  uniforms  from  the  lines  of  the  7ist. 
An  angry  yell  burst  from  them,  but  they  did  not 
advance.  They  had  a  wholesome  dread  of  the 
Europeans,  even  though  they  outnumbered  the  little 
force  by  ten  to  one. 

"  Fix  bayonets ! " 

The  words  rang  out  in  the  still  air  with  a  sharp 
metallic  sound.  Lennard  could  see  that  the  men  of 
the  32nd  could  hardly  restrain  their  impatience. 

"  Gently,  my  lads,"  cried  the  old  brigadier,  half 
turning  round  in  his  saddle.  "  Not  a  man  must  stir 
till  the  order  is  given.  You  might  kill  friends." 


AT   GUN   FIRE  71 

The  soldiers  stood  firm,  and  the  brigadier  rode 
ahead  to  address  the  mutineers.  He  had  scarcely 
ridden  twenty  yards  before  a  flash  ran  along  the  line 
of  the  sepoys  with  the  rapidity  of  a  fuse. 

A  hundred  muskets  were  emptied,  and  the  old 
commander  was  seen  to  fall  from  his  horse.  He 
was  shot  dead,  riddled  by  a  score  of  bullets. 

"Charge,  my  lads,"  shouted  the  officer  second  in 
command,  almost  beside  himself  with  grief  and  rage. 
"No  quarter  to  the  murderous  devils.  What!  you, 
Lennard  ?  For  heaven's  sake  see  to  the  Brigadier, 
though  I  fear  it's  all  up  with  him." 

Waving  his  sword,  the  young  officer  bounded  away 
after  his  men.  They  needed  no  leading.  They  were 
mad  to  avenge  the  death  of  their  chief. 

"  Dead — dead,"  muttered  Lennard,  as  he  bent  over 
the  corpse  of  the  old  man.  "The  first  victim  in 
Lucknow.  How  many  more  will  follow?" 

The  doctor  dragged  the  body  of  the  brigadier  to 
a  place  of  safety  for  burial  on  the  morrow — he  could 
do  no  more — and  hastened  onwards. 

Meanwhile,  the  little  band  of  the  32nd,  with  a  yell 
of  fury,  dashed  forward.  The  sepoys  turned  tail, 
and  made  haste  to  join  their  comrades,  who  had 
concentrated  themselves  to  the  extreme  right  of  the 
lines.  From  here  they  intended  to  march  to  the 
city,  but  Sir  Henry  Lawrence  had  been  one  too 
many  for  them. 

He  saw  from  the  first  the  importance  of  preventing, 
as  far  as  possible,  communication  between  the 
mutineers  outside  and  the  budmashery — that  is,  the 
bad  and  turbulent,  the  very  scum  of  Lucknow.  On 
leaving  the  Residency  bungalow,  Sir  Henry  took 
with  him  two  guns  and  a  company  of  the  32nd  to 


72  LOVE   BESIEGED 

occupy  the  road  leading  from  the  cantonments  to 
the  bridge. 

Towards  this  point  the  7 1st,  mad  with  the  taste 
of  blood,  rushed  and  opened  a  hot  musketry  fire. 
They  were  received  with  a  deadly  discharge  of 
grape.  Desisting  at  once  from  the  attack,  they 
returned  to  their  lines,  passing  the  infantry  picket, 
composed  of  natives  and  commanded  by  Lieutenant 
Grant. 

When  the  picket  saw  their  comrades  hurrying  by 
in  a  kind  of  delirium,  shouting,  yelling,  firing  their 
muskets  at  random,  they  were  seized  with  the  in- 
fection of  excitement. 

The  soubadhar  was  one  of  the  few  who  kept  his 
head  cool. 

"  Hoozur — hoozur,"  he  cried  to  Lieutenant  Grant 
"  Come  with  me.  They  mean  to  kill  you." 

"Let  them,"  cried  Grant  firmly.  "I  shall  stay 
where  I  am." 

"  No — no.  What  can  you  do  among  so  many  ? 
Come  to  my  quarters,"  pleaded  the  man. 

The  sepoys  in  the  darkness  had  not  seen  Grant 
But  it  was  scarcely  possible  he  could  escape  without 
attracting  notice.  He  trusted  the  soubadhar,  and 
followed  him  into  the  bungalow.  Scarcely  was  he 
in  one  of  the  rooms  before  the  mutineers  were  heard 
in  the  verandah. 

"Under  the  charpoy " (native  four-legged  bedstead), 
whispered  the  soubadhar. 

The  infuriated  mob  rushed  in. 

"You  are  too  late,  brothers,"  cried  the  soubadhar. 
"  the  hoozur  has  escaped." 

"  Nur  Singh  lies,"  cried  the  havildar  of  the  picket. 
"  The  hoozur  is  there." 


AT  GUN   FIRE  73 

The  wretch  pointed  to  the  charpoy. 

With  a  yell  of  brutal  triumph,  a  score  of  men 
rushed  at  the  bedstead.  In  a  second  it  was  over- 
turned. Bayonet  and  sword  finished  the  bloodthirsty 
work. 

In  the  middle  of  the  butchery  came  a  pistol  shot 
fired  through  the  open  window  of  the  bungalow. 
The  havildar,  red  with  the  blood  of  his  victim,  with 
a  malignant  grin  on  his  fiendish  countenance,  dropped 
like  a  stone,  shot  through  the  head. 

In  a  moment  the  sepoys  stayed  their  hacking  and 
slashing,  though  this  mattered  little  to  the  murdered 
officer,  and  looked  with  scared  faces  at  each  other. 
The  death  of  the  havildar  seemed  like  the  punishment 
of  Heaven.  Then,  recovering  themselves,  they  rushed 
out  of  the  bungalow.  But  those  outside  could  tell 
them  nothing.  They  had  heard  the  shot,  but  that 
was  all. 

While  the  sepoys  were  running  hither  and  thither, 
thrusting  their  bayonets  into  the  thickets  and  yelling 
like  very  maniacs,  Jack  Hawke  was  creeping  through 
the  long  grass  at  the  back  of  the  bungalow.  It  was 
he  who  had  shot  the  havildar. 

"  You  devils,"  he  muttered  half  aloud.  "  My  own 
men  too.  I  know  them  every  one.  I  would  have 
showed  myself,  but  to  what  end?  It  was  too  late. 
They'd  got  the  blood  fever  on  them.  They  were 
seeing  red." 

This  was  quite  true.  Jack  knew  the  native  tempera- 
ment thoroughly. 

"  Anyhow,  there's  one  rascal  less  in  the  world,"  he 
continued  with  a  grim  smile.  "That  dastardly 
havildar  will  murder  no  more." 

He  crept  rapidly,  like  one  who  was  well  acquainted 


74  LOVE   BESIEGED 

with  the  ground,  and  knew  the  point  he  was  aiming 
for.  A  very  few  minutes  brought  him  to  the  road. 

The  moonlight  showed  about  fifty  men  coming 
towards  him,  and  Hawke  shrank  back  into  the  grass 
till  he  had  made  out  who  they  were.  He  soon 
determined,  from  their  carriage  and  long,  easy  strides, 
they  were  Sikhs. 

He  waited  till  they  were  within  a  dozen  yards  or 
so,  and  then  emerged  from  his  concealment.  He 
saw  they  were  commanded  by  a  European  officer. 

"  Who  goes  there  ?  "  called  out  the  latter. 

"  No  stranger  to  you,  Loughnan.    I'm  Jack  Hawke." 

"  What,  dear  old  Jack?  It  can't  be.  Hawke's  in 
Delhi." 

"  He  was,  old  chap.  Never  mind  explanations 
now  ;  what's  the  game  ?  " 

"  The  rascally  traitors  of  the  7 1st  have  secured  the 
treasure  and  the  colours  ;  but  they  won't  have  them 
long." 

"  Not  if  John  Loughnan's  on  their  tract.  I'm  with 
you.  Have  you  a  spare  sword  ? " 

Loughnan  turned  round  quickly,  and  taking  a 
tulwar  from  one  of  the  men,  handed  it  to  Hawke. 

"  It  won't  be  the  first  time  you've  made  a  stroke 
with  a  tulwar,"  said  he. 

"  Nor  the  last,  I  hope,"  returned  Hawke. 

They  wasted  no  time.  While  they  were  talking 
they  were  hurrying  on  to  the  cantonments,  which  now 
seemed  one  mass  of  flame.  The  officers'  bungalows 
had  been  fired  in  every  direction — indeed,  as  was 
discovered  the  next  day,  only  the  Residency  bungalow 
and  one  or  two  more  escaped. 

"  The  crash  has  come  at  last,  Hawke,"  said  Lieu- 
tenant Loughnan.  "  We've  been  expecting  it  for  the 


AT   GUN   FIRE  75 

last  three  weeks.  I'm  not  sorry ;  we've  had  a  dog's 
life." 

"  How  ?  " 

"  You  know  the  regulation  ordering  all  the  officers 
to  sleep  in  the  native  lines.  The  object  was,  of 
course,  to  prevent  or  check  conspiracy,  and  show 
confidence  in  the  sepoys." 

"Confidence  in  the  tiger,"  broke  in  Hawke 
abruptly. 

"  Exactly — much  about  the  same  thing.  The 
regulation  was  a  stupid  farce.  As  if  the  men  couldn't 
conspire  and  plot  and  intrigue  just  as  well  when  we 
were  present  as  when  we  were  absent.  All  it  did  was 
to  keep  us  in  a  state  of  constant  worry.  You  know 
Farquhar  of  the  7th  Cavalry  ?  " 

"  I  remember  him." 

"  He  wrote  home  the  other  day,  and  he  showed  me 
the  letter ;  and  by  heaven,  every  word  he  says  is 
true.  I  only  hope  some  newspaper  in  England  will 
get  hold  of  his  letter  and  print  it.  He  tells  how  all 
the  officers  of  each  regiment  have  had  to  sleep 
together  armed  to  the  teeth,  and  two  or  three  of  each 
regiment  had  to  remain  awake,  taking  two  hours  at 
a  time,  to  watch  over  our  men.  That's  what  we've 
had  to  do  for  the  last  month  ;  and  by  Jove,  we  kept 
the  watches  strictly,  you  bet,  when  our  throats 
depended  on  it.  I've  slept  in  my  clothes  every  night 
for  a  fortnight,  and  I'm  jolly  well  sick  of  it." 

"  I  know,"  growled  Hawke.  "  And  yet,  I  suppose, 
some  red  tape,  doddering  fool  at  Calcutta,  squatting 
in  his  armchair,  will  want  to  know  why  you  didn't 
disarm  the  native  regiments." 

"Disarm?  How  the  devil  could  we?  If  we'd 
a  couple  of  European  regiments  and  a  few  more  guns 


76  LOVE   BESIEGED 

we  might  have  tried  the  game ;  but  as  we  were — 
rot!" 

They  talked  on  in  a  low  voice,  for  they  did  not 
want  the  Sikhs  to  hear — not  that  there  was  much 
danger  of  their  being  understood  even  if  their 
words  reached  the  ears  of  the  men.  Still,  it  was 
best  to  be  on  the  safe  side. 

"  For  two  pins,"  said  Loughnan,  giving  a  half  glance 
round,  "  my  men  would  cut  and  join  in  the  general 
scramble  for  plunder.  The  Sikhs  are  born  looters. 
I've  had  to  promise  them  handsome  presents  if  we 
succeed  in  saving  the  treasure-chest." 

They  had  now  entered  the  main  street  of  the 
cantonments.  On  each  side  bungalows  were  burn- 
ing. The  contents  which  were  at  all  portable  were 
scattered  on  the  ground.  They  would  not  remain 
there  long.  The  camp  followers,  the  villagers  and 
the  budmash,  with  which  Lucknow  swarmed  would 
soon  be  on  the  scene  of  the  plunder.  A  few  sepoys 
were  about,  but  they  were  too  busy  making  off 
with  booty  to  trouble  about  Loughnan  and  his 
Sikhs. 

"  This  way,  Jack.  The  bungalow  containing  the 
treasure  is  on  the  right.  By  Jove,  we're  in  time," 
Loughnan  muttered. 

It  had  not  been  set  on  fire,  but  was  filled  with  armed 
men,  who  were  shouting  and  quarrelling  over  the 
division  of  the  spoil. 

Loughnan  posted  twenty  of  his  men  within  the 
verandah,  so  as  to  command  the  windows.  The  rest 
he  led  softly  within  the  doorway.  Jack  Hawke  was 
by  his  side.  Loughnan's  idea  was  to  discharge  a 
volley  of  musketry  within  the  room.  This  he 
expected  would  drive  the  sepoys  to  the  windows. 


AT   GUN    FIRE  77 

"Half-a-dozen  of  you  kneel,"  he  whispered,  "the 
rest  fire  over  the  others'  heads.  Now." 

The  interior  consisted  of  a  suite  of  three  rooms. 
Probably  there  were  at  least  a  hundred  men  scattered 
about.  At  the  discharge  of  the  muskets  they  gave 
a  hideous  yell.  Some,  unarmed,  sought  the  windows, 
others  rushed  to  seize  their  muskets,  which  they  had 
laid  down  so  as  to  seize  the  spoil  the  readier. 

The  next  moment  Loughnan  and  Hawke,  followed 
by  their  men,  dashed  in.  A  fierce  hand-to-hand 
combat  ensued.  The  sepoys  had  no  stomach  for 
fighting.  Most  of  them,  seizing  what  coin  they  could, 
fled.  The  treasure-chest  containing  the  money  for 
the  payment  of  the  troops  had  been  forced  open,  and 
was  lying  in  the  middle  of  the  centre  room.  Not  far 
off  was  the  dead  body  of  a  young  English  officer 
He  had  given  up  his  life  rather  than  desert  his 
post. 

"  Poor  Fitzgerald  !  "  muttered  Loughnan,  stopping 
a  moment.  "  He  was  engaged  to  be  married  to  a  girl 
in  Calcutta.  It'll  break  her  heart." 

The  two  stooped  to  restore  the  rupees  to  their 
receptacle.  The  Sikhs  were  quite  equal  to  the  task 
of  driving  out  the  sepoys,  and  were  doing  their  work 
well. 

Hawke  listened  for  the  firing  outside.  Loughnan 
had  given  orders  that  as  the  sepoys  came  rushing  out 
of  the  windows,  the  Sikhs  he  had  stationed  in  the 
verandah  should  open  fire.  But  not  a  shot  had  been 
heard. 

"  Something's  wrongl "  suddenly  exclaimed  Hawke. 

He  rushed  to  the  nearest  window,  pushing  the 
soldiers  right  and  left.  The  Sikhs  outside  had  left 
their  posts.  Apparently  they  were  fraternising  with 


78  LOVE   BESIEGED 

the  sepoys.  The  glare  of  the  burning  bungalows  on 
all  sides  made  everything  as  clear  as  though  it  were 
day.  He  could  see  them  a  few  yards  away  talking 
with  the  mutinous  men  of  the  7ist. 

This  was  bad  enough,  but  what  he  saw  beyond  was 
worse.  Some  two  or  three  hundred  men,  attracted 
by  the  firing,  were  coming  to  the  assistance  of  their 
comrades.  If  the  Sikhs  proved  traitors,  he  and 
Loughnan  would  be  caught  like  rats  in  a  trap. 

Not  a  moment  was  to  be  lost.  Leaping  out  of  the 
window,  Hawke  rushed  to  the  Sikhs.  Boldly  thrust- 
ing himself  in  their  midst,  he  asked  them  why  they 
held  parley  with  traitorous  Hindoo  dogs. 

"  Are  we  not  your  friends  ?  Have  you  not  eaten 
our  bread  ?  You,  Ras  Singh,  are  you,  too,  false  to 
your  oath  ? " 

Ras  Singh  was  the  soubadhar,  and  Hawke  re- 
membered him  well,  though  he  had  not  seen  the  man 
for  some  two  years.  But  he  had  once  done  the  Sikh 
a  service,  and  now  was  the  time  to  ask  for  a  requital. 

Ras  Singh's  answer  was  significant. 

"  We  like  our  lieutenant  and  you,  too,  Hoozur,  and 
we  will  not  allow  you  to  be  harmed  ;  but  if  the  whole 
army  turns,  we  must  turn  too." 

There  was  meaning  in  this.  No  doubt  it  explained 
the  rising  of  many  regiments  who  felt  themselves 
bound  to  obey  the  mysterious  and  powerful  authority 
of  the  "  Fouj  ki  Bheera  "  or  general  will  of  the  army. 
Hawke  was  far  too  masterful  to  permit  the  argument 
to  override  him. 

"  But  the  whole  army  hasn't  turned.  You  have 
not  turned.  I've  just  come  from  Delhi,  and  I  tell 
you  the  Sikhs  there  are  faithful." 

Ras  Singh  might  have  proved  obdurate,  but  one 


AT   GUN    FIRE  79 

of  the  sepoys  hastened  matters.  He  raised  his 
musket,  and  pointed  it  at  Hawke.  He  was  in  the 
act  of  cocking  it  when  Jack  sprang  forward,  swift  as 
a  greyhound.  With  one  sweep  of  the  tulwar,  its 
short  bent  blade,  keen  as  a  razor,  he  buried  it  deep 
in  the  man's  neck.  The  sepoy  dropped  like  a  stone. 

It  was  enough.  The  Sikh  to  whom  the  tulwar 
belonged  was  among  those  who  were  wavering. 
His  blade  had  shed  Hindoo  blood.  Heaven  had 
ordained  this.  Therefore  it  was  meant  that  he 
should  be  faithful  to  his  salt. 

"  Come,  brothers  ! "  he  shouted.  "  We  were  wrong. 
Let  us  follow  the  Hoozur." 

"  Bless  you  for  those  words ! "  growled  Hawke 
in  his  own  vernacular,  "you  know  which  side  your 
bread's  buttered." 

Then  he  shouted  the  order  to  close  up.  The 
sepoys  heard  the  order  and  bolted.  One  volley 
from  the  Sikhs  sufficed  to  disperse  the  advancing 
force.  The  critical  moment  was  passed.  Hawke 
returned  in  triumph  to  the  bungalow,  to  find 
Loughnan  on  the  point  of  coming  to  his  assistance. 

"Saved,  old  chap,  and  by  the  skin  of  our  teeth!" 
cried  Hawke.  "  On  with  the  treasure !  " 

The  coin  chest,  secured  to  a  couple  of  poles,  was 
carried  by  four  study  Sikhs  towards  the  spot  where 
Sir  Henry  had  concentrated  his  little  force  of 
European  soldiers. 


CHAPTER  V 

A  LULL  IN   THE  STORM 

As  dawn  approached,  Sir  Henry  gradually 
grasped  the  extent  of  the  danger  by  which  he  was 
surrounded.  On  only  one  point  was  he  unsatisfied. 
No  information  had  come  in  concerning  the  7th 
Cavalry.  The  lines  of  this  regiment  were  at  Mud- 
kheepore,  about  three  miles  from  the  cantonments. 
It  was  a  hazardous  task  for  a  messenger  to  get 
through  the  latter,  with  the  bungalows  blazing  and 
lawless  marauders  in  possession  of  the  ground. 
Some  of  the  7th  had  accompanied  the  32nd,  being 
in  the  cantonments  at  the  time  of  the  outbreak. 
Of  these  Sir  Henry  felt  pretty  certain. 

At  the  first  streak  of  morning  light,  a  party  of 
horsemen  were  seen  by  the  picket  on  guard  in  the 
direction  of  the  Mudkheepore  road.  They  proved 
to  be  a  detachment  of  the  7th — all  who  had  remained 
faithful  out  of  those  stationed  in  the  lines.  The  men 
had  been  called  out  immediately  the  red  glare  in 
the  sky  told  what  was  happening  in  the  canton- 
ments ;  but  before  the  line  could  be  formed  some 
forty  of  them  dashed  off  at  full  speed  towards  the 
cantonments,  the  rest  patrolled  during  the  night 
and  at  length  found  their  way  to  headquarters. 

Sir  Henry  was  much  relieved  in  his  mind  when 
he  saw  them  ;  and  after  day  had  fairly  broken  he 
resolved  to  take  the  field.  The  7th  Cavalry  were 

80 


A   LULL  IN   THE   STORM  81 

directed  to  move  towards  Mudkheepore,  where  the 
officers'  houses  and  the  troopers'  lines  had  been 
seized  and  fired  by  the  mutineers,  who  had  gone 
up  from  the  cantonments  in  great  numbers,  hoping 
to  win  over  the  cavalry.  Two  companies  of  the  32nd 
were  ordered  tb  support  the  cavalry,  the  rest  being 
left  behind  to  guard  the  approaches  to  the  city. 

Just  as  the  force,  with  Sir  Henry  Lawrence  in 
person  leading,  were  about  to  advance,  Mr  Martin 
Gubbins,  the  commissioner  of  Oudh,  rode  in  from 
Lucknow.  He  reported  the  city  to  be  violently 
agitated,  but  that  no  outbreak  had  taken  place. 

"  Nothing  could  be  better  than  your  arrangements, 
Sir  Henry,"  said  he.  "  I  left  some  6000  of  the 
bud  mash  howling  and  yelling,  and  ripe  for  any 
villainy,  the  other  side  of  the  Gumti.  They  dared 
not  cross  the  bridge  in  face  of  your  troops.  But 
for  that  they  would  by  this  time  have  joined  the 
mutineers." 

"  And  the  Residency — the  women  and  children  ?  " 
asked  Sir  Henry  anxiously. 

"  They  are  quite  safe." 

"  Poor  things !  "  said  Sir  Henry,  in  a  tone  of  com- 
passion. "There  will  be  many  an  aching  heart 
within  those  walls  before  long.  But  this  isn't  the 
time  for  sympathy ;  sterner  work  lies  before  us. 
I'm  off  for  Mudkheepore." 

"  And  I  am  with  you,"  said  Mr  Gubbins. 

The  word  was  given,  and  in  the  pale  light  of  dawn 
the  32nd  moved  forward  with  the  steady  swing  of 
the  British  soldier. 

Had  Jean  been  present,  it  might  have  reminded 
her  of  the  trooping  of  the  colours  and  that  spring 
morning  in  the  Mall,  and  of  Azimoolah's  question  : 


82  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"  Do  they  fight  as  grandly  as  they  march  ? "  The 
sequel  proved  that  Jean's  retort  was  the  right  one, 
and  that  Azimoolah's  countrymen  could  best  answer 
his  impatient  sneer. 

There  was  not  a  man  there  who  was  not  burning 
to  avenge  the  murder  of  the  old  brigadier,  of  Lieu- 
tenant Grant,  and  of  the  young  officer  who  died  in 
defence  of  the  treasury  bungalow.  There  was  no 
singing,  none  of  the  light-heartedness  of  men  on  the 
march.  Their  faces  were  set,  their  eyes  had  in 
them  the  angry  concentrated  look  of  revenge. 

At  four  o'clock  Sir  Henry  and  his  little  army 
reached  Mudkheepore.  The  fort  was  occupied  by 
the  enemy  in  force,  over  a  thousand  men  having  fled 
thither  from  the  cantonments.  When  they  saw  the 
British  soldiers  advancing,  they  rushed  out  in 
disorderly  masses,  without  any  attempt  at  forming 
in  line.  Apparently  they  had  no  leader. 

Meanwhile  the  32nd  had  been  halted,  awaiting  the 
artillery  to  take  up  its  position.  Immediately  the 
guns  were  unlimbered  occurred  one  of  those  sudden 
and  curious  revulsions  of  feeling  without  warning, 
without  premeditation,  of  which  the  Indian  Mutiny 
furnishes  so  many  instances.  A  horseman  rode 
from  the  rebel  ranks,  and  waved  his  sword  before 
the  yet  loyal  cavalry.  Instantly  there  was  a  move- 
ment of  disturbance.  The  troopers  seemed  agitated 
by  some  irresistible  impulse  which  attacked  them 
simultaneously.  There  was  no  appearance  of  a 
concerted  arrangement. 

The  four  guns  attached  to  the  force  were  stationed 
to  the  extreme  right  of  the  cavalry,  and  the  officer 
in  command  was  in  a  position  to  see  what  was  going 
on.  He  acted  with  terrible  promptness. 


A   LULL   IN   THE   STORM  83 

The  guns  were  loaded  and  pointed  towards  the 
distant  line.  The  gunners  were  at  their  posts. 

"  Fire  ! "  said  he. 

The  sullen  roar  of  the  cannon  awoke  the  echoes, 
and  at  the  same  moment  the  wavering  7th  Cavalry, 
with  the  exception  of  about  thirty,  raised  a  fearful 
yell  and  galloped  over  to  the  enemy,  who  turned 
and  fled. 

"Will  the  rest  of  your  troopers  follow  you?" 
asked  Sir  Henry  quietly  of  Colonel  Fielden. 

"  Yes,"  answered  Fielden  promptly. 

"  I  doubt  it.  Offer  them  100  rupees  for  every 
mutineer  taken  or  slain." 

The  colonel  galloped  up  to  his  men,  who  were 
still  occupying  their  ground  and  taking  no  part  in 
the  pursuit,  and  repeated  Sir  Henry's  words.  The 
troopers  made  no  answer,  and  evidently  obeyed  the 
order  to  advance  with  reluctance. 

The  guns  were  moved  slowly  with  the  infantry, 
but  it  was  clear  the  cavalry  could  not  be  trusted, 
and  that  pursuit  was  impossible ;  and  after  proceed- 
ing a  few  miles  the  design  was  abandoned. 

The  scene  was  like  the  disturbance  of  an  ants' 
nest.  In  every  direction  men  and  women  were  seen 
running  with  bundles  on  their  heads — villagers  and 
camp  followers  making  off  with  booty  obtained  in 
the  cantonments  during  the  preceding  night. 

About  thirty  prisoners  were  taken,some  being  seized 
by  Commissioner  Gubbins,  who,  with  his  own  orderly 
and  three  of  Fisher's  horse,  got  detached  from  the 
rest  of  the  cavalry ;  but  the  odd  thing  was,  the  com- 
missioner did  not  know  what  to  do  with  the  fellows. 

"We  had  not,"  said  he  afterwards,  grimly,  "yet 
learned  to  kill  in  cold  blood." 


84  LOVE   BESIEGED 

While  Sir  Henry  was  clearing  the  air  outside 
Lucknow,  the  city  itself  was  in  a  seething  ferment. 
The  streets  were  teaming  with  the  Lucknow  bud- 
mash  and  shoda — the  very  scourings  of  the  city. 
Every  man  was  armed  with  his  tulwar,  and  hundreds 
swaggered  along  with  their  shields  of  buffalo-hide 
and  their  matchlocks  and  pistols. 

The  rabble  reached  the  stone  bridge,  to  find  that 
Sir  Henry  Lawrence  had  forestalled  them.  The 
British  soldiers  and  a  half-battery  of  guns  were 
between  the  bridge  and  the  cantonments.  Budmash 
and  shoda  had  not  the  least  desire  for  a  conflict  with 
regular  troops,  and  they  swarmed  back  to  their 
lairs.  Here  they  commenced  a  disturbance,  promptly 
suppressed  by  the  police,  assisted  by  a  few  faithful 
companies  of  the  irregular  infantry. 

Within  the  Residency  confusion  and  alarm  still 
reigned.  The  flat  roof  was  crowded  with  men, 
women  and  children.  When  the  musketry  fire  told 
them  the  critical  moment  had  come,  all  save  those 
who  were  ill  ran  to  the  highest  points.  With  terror 
in  their  eyes  and  fluttering  hearts  they  watched  the 
fires  blazing  one  after  the  other  in  the  cantonments. 
The  musketry,  sometimes  in  volleys,  sometimes  in 
dropping  shots,  kept  their  nerves  quivering.  No 
intelligence  as  to  what  was  going  on  had  reached 
them  ;  for  aught  they  could  tell,  the  mutineers  might 
have  repeated  the  horrors  of  Meerut  and  Delhi. 

The  appearance  of  Lennard,  calm  and  collected, 
gladdened  every  heart.  The  doctor  looked  with 
pity  on  the  white  faces  of  the  ladies  who  crowded 
round  him.  It  was  now  three  o'clock  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  they  had  been  watching  the  lurid  sky 
northward  since  nine  the  previous  night.  They  were 


A   LULL   IN   THE   STORM  85 

haggard  and  worn  with  anxiety.  Four-fifths  had 
husbands,  brothers,  lovers,  in  the  little  force  which 
was  opposed  to  such  fearful  odds. 

Lennard  did  his  best  to  answer  and  soothe,  but 
his  eyes  did  not  meet  those  he  most  wanted  to  see. 
At  last  he  managed  to  disengage  himself  from  the 
groups  of  persistent  and  half-weeping  women.  He 
went  in  search  of  Jean  Atherton. 

He  found  her  seated  on  a  wicker  chair.  She  had 
a  shawl  drawn  over  her  head,  and  the  pale  light  of 
dawn  gave  an  almost  unearthly  beauty  to  her  face. 

"  I  could  hear  what  you  were  saying,  Dr  Lennard," 
said  Jean  quietly,  "so  I  didn't  seek  to  monopolise 
you.  There  are  so  many  here  who  have  a  much 
greater  claim  on  you  than  I.  I've  no  personal 
friends  or  relatives  among  those  brave  men  who  are 
fighting  for  us  out  yonder." 

"Personal  feelings  often  disappear  when  we're 
face  to  face  with  a  terrible  crisis  like  this.  A  com- 
mon danger  draws  us  closer  to  each  other.  Enemies 
may  even  become  friends  in  the  face  of  peril,"  re- 
joined Lennard. 

"What  has  become  of  Captain  Hawke?"  said 
Jean  suddenly. 

A  footstep  caused  Lennard  to  look  round. 

It  was  Mrs  Ross. 

Mrs  Ross  seemed  a  little  disconcerted  at  being 
discovered,  and  moved  away  a  pace  or  two.  Lennard 
bowed  in  acknowledgment  of  her  presence,  but  did 
not  speak  to  her. 

He  went  on  to  reply  to  Jean. 

"  I  can  say  little  about  Hawke.  We  parted  soon 
after  the  outbreak.  He  went  off  to  the  cantonments, 
and  I  made  the  best  of  my  way  here.  But  you  may 


86  LOVE  BESIEGED 

depend  upon  it,  Miss  Atherton,  that  where  the  fiercest 
fighting  is,  Jack  Hawke  won't  be  far  off." 

"That's  true,"  said  a  voice  suddenly. 

Mrs  Ross  had  crept  nearer  to  them.  Why  was 
she  so  anxious  to  join  in  the  conversation  ? 

"  I'm  glad  to  hear  you  say  that,  Mrs  Ross,"  said 
Lennard  a  little  coldly. 

"Oh,  I'm  not  unjust,"  answered  the  lady  in  a 
peculiar  tone.  "  I  can  even  be  glad  to  hear  that 
Jack  Hawke  is  safe." 

"  I  didn't  say  anything  about  his  safety,"  said 
Lennard.  "  There's  not  a  man  over  yonder  who  can 
hold  his  life  as  his  own  for  a  single  minute.  It's 
more  than  four  hours  since  I  parted  from  Hawke. 
Much  may  have  happened  since  then." 

"Very  likely.  But  men  of  Hawke's  stamp  aren't 
the  first  to  get  shot.  Providence  seems  to  take 
remarkably  good  care  of  the  scoundrels." 

She  glided  away.  The  bitterness  of  her  speech 
impressed  Jean  painfully. 

"Why  does  Mrs  Ross  hate  Captain  Hawke?"  said 
she.  "  She's  been  warning  me  against  him.  I  should 
have  thought  that  at  such  a  dreadful  time  as  this, 
as  you  said  just  now,  all  private  enmity  would  be 
forgotten." 

"  Mrs  Ross  isn't  one  to  forget  anything,"  said 
Lennard  shortly.  "But  don't  let  us  talk  about  her," 
he  went  on,  suddenly  altering  his  tone.  "You  must 
be  in  need  of  rest.  There's  nothing  to  fear  to- 
night." 

"Are  you  sure?"  she  inquired  anxiously. 

"Yes,  indeed.  Our  men  are  drawn  up  between 
the  cantonments  and  the  city.  The  mutineers  can't 
pass  over  the  stone  bridge,  nor  can  the  budmash  get 


A   LULL   IN   THE   STORM  87 

out  to  join  them.  Ah,  here's  your  father.  He'll  tell 
you  the  same  thing." 

Mr  Atherton  had  come  in  search  of  his  daughter. 
He  had  been  out  in  the  streets  to  gather  news,  and 
also  to  do  his  best,  with  the  assistance  of  the  police, 
to  preserve  order. 

"  There's  yet  hope,"  said  he.  "  The  men  haven't 
got  out  of  hand.  I  met  Colonel  Palmer  with  a  loyal 
remnant  of  the  48th  Native  Infantry  coming  from 
the  iron  bridge.  He  told  me  that  although  mutiny 
had  broken  out,  and  murder  and  fire  and  pillage  had 
begun,  yet  Sir  Henry  was  more  than  holding  his  own." 

For  a  few  minutes  Lennard  and  Atherton  com- 
pared notes,  Jean  listening  anxiously  the  while,  and 
her  face  growing  white  as  the  doctor  told  how  old 
Brigadier  Handscomb  had  met  his  death. 

"  Poor  old  fellow,"  said  Atherton  with  a  sigh.  "  It 
was  his  fate.  Well,  he's  beyond  the  reach  of  trouble 
and  anxiety.  I  wish  we  could  all  say  the  same. 
Come,  Jean,  let's  take  a  little  rest  while  we  can.  I've 
been  on  my  legs  for  the  last  three  hours  and  I'm 
dead  beat." 

Jean  turned,  and  put  out  her  little  soft  hand  to 
the  young  doctor. 

"  Au  revoir,  Dr  Lennard,"  said  she,  with  a  grateful 
smile. 

"  Au  revoir.  I'm  glad  you  say  that.  Good-bye  is 
too  ominous." 

"Ah,  you  think  that  because  you're  not  one  of  the 
scoundrels,  to  whom,  according  to  Mrs  Ross,  Pro- 
vidence is  so  kind,"  said  she  lightly.  "  I  believe  she 
was  unjust  if  she  was  alluding  to  Captain  Hawke." 

"You're  quite  right,  Miss  Atherton,"  said  Lennard 
with  emphasis.  "  Hawke  is  no  scoundrel." 


88  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Hawke's  words,  "If  you  should  never  see  me  again, 
say  a  good  word  for  me  to  that  brown-eyed  little 
girl,"  were  fresh  in  Lennard's  mind.  Well,  if  he  had 
taken  leave  of  Jack  Hawke  for  ever,  he  had  kept 
his  word. 

As  morning  crept  on  apace  the  angry  light  of  the 
still  smouldering  bungalows  disappeared.  Wreaths 
of  curling  smoke  alone  were  visible.  The  musketry 
shots  had  long  since  ceased.  A  faint  and  confused 
murmur  of  voices  came  from  the  busy  quarters  of 
the  centre  of  the  city. 

Lennard's  thoughts  were  not  of  Lucknow — not 
even  of  the  mutiny.  Jean's  sad  face  and  large 
tender  eyes  haunted  his  memory. 

'"As  though  I'd  been  seeking  her  all  my  life,  and 
had  at  last  found  her,'  "  said  Lennard.  "  Confound 
it!  How  many  more  of  Jack  Hawke's  words  am  I 
going  to  quote  to-night  ?  He  used  not  to  be  very  quot- 
able. Well,  she's  not  for  me  nor  for  him  either.  Some 
other  lucky  beggar  perhaps  has  won  her.  Who  ?  No 
one  in  Lucknow,  I'll  swear.  We're  both  luckier  than 
he,  after  all.  We  can  die  for  her,  he  can  only  grieve." 

"Dr  Lennard,"  whispered  soft  tones  in  his  ear. 
He  at  once  recognised  Mrs  Ross's  voice. 

Mrs  Ross  seemed  to  be  hovering  about  him  like  a 
ghost.  What  did  she  want  now? 

He  turned  towards  her.  He  was  struck  with  the 
look  of  intense  anxiety  in  her  large,  dark,  lustrous 
eyes.  Usually  they  wore  a  cold,  disdainful  expres- 
sion. Now  they  were  liquid  and  almost  soft. 

"You  spoke  doubtfully  just  now,  Dr  Lennard — 
about  Jack — I  mean  Captain  Hawke.  You  said 
much  might  happen  in  four  hours.  What  has 
happened  ?  Tell  me  ! " 


A   LULL  IN   THE   STORM  89 

"  I  don't  quite  understand  you,  Mrs  Ross.  I  spoke 
generally,  of  course." 

"Then  Jack's  safe?" 

"  I  don't  know.  We  parted,  as  I  told  you.  Since 
then  I  haven't  seen  or  heard  of  him." 

"Ah!" 

A  sound  like  a  suppressed  sigh  escaped  the 
woman's  white  lips. 

She  drew  her  shawl  tightly  about  her. 

"Thank  you,  Dr  Lennard,"  she  breathed,  and 
glided  away. 

"What  does  that  mean — love  or  hate?"  thought 
Lennard.  "  That  woman  has  always  been  an  enigma. 
But  I  suppose  much  may  be  forgiven  her.  Heredi- 
tary taint,  temperament,  climate  and  opportunity 
explain  a  good  deal.  Her  father,  General  D'Arcy, 
to  the  day  of  his  death,  was  a  hard  liver,  and  he 
never  troubled  about  his  two  girls.  They  certainly 
followed  his  example  in  the  way  of  getting  as  much 
enjoyment  out  of  life  as  possible.  Was  it  enjoyment  ? 
What  about  Mrs  Ross's  life  when  she  was  Edith 
D'Arcy?  Unlimited  flirtation,  a  continual  round  of 
gaiety,  engaged  to  be  married  three  times — bah,  she 
played  with  men's  hearts  as  though  they  were 
skittles.  One  man  shot  himself  because  of  her, 
another  was  hounded  away  in  disgrace.  Her  life 
ended  in  a  marriage  with  a  rich  man  who,  in  spite  of 
her  scorn  of  him,  left  her  all  his  money.  But  has 
her  life  ended  ?  " 

And  with  this  question  hovering  in  his  brain  he 
went  to  snatch  a  few  hours'  sleep. 


CHAPTER  VI 

NURSE  AND  PATIENT 

IN  Lucknow,  on  the  day  after  the  outbreak,  all  was 
quiet.  On  the  evening  of  that  day,  3ist  May,  Sir 
Henry  Lawrence  moved  his  headquarters  from  the 
cantonments  into  the  Residency.  The  enthusiasm 
was  tremendous.  When  he  appeared  with  his  staff, 
a  perfect  storm  of  acclamation  burst  forth.  Loud 
"hurrahs"  and  shouts  of  "Long  life  to  Sir  Henry" 
continued  until  he  had  passed  out  of  sight. 

Then  commenced  preparations  for  defence. 
Though  the  rebels  had  for  a  time  disappeared,  it 
was  known  that  they  were  but  gathering  their  forces. 
From  all  quarters  came  mutinous  sepoys  to  swell 
their  numbers.  To  conquer  the  capital  city  of  Oudh 
was  their  ambition.  To  secure  this  conquest  they 
were  prepared  to  make  any  sacrifice. 

Sir  Henry  was  on  the  alert.  He  did  not  wait  to 
be  attacked.  The  Residency  was  crowded  with 
women  and  children.  Every  house  and  outbuildings 
were  occupied.  Preparations  for  defence  were  con- 
tinued. Thousands  of  coolies  were  employed  at  the 
batteries,  stockades  and  trenches.  The  treasure  and 
ammunition  —  of  which,  fortunately,  there  was  a 
large  supply — were  buried,  and  as  many  guns  as 
could  be  collected  were  brought  together. 

Never  was  there  such  a  busy,  motley  crowd ! 
Soldiers  —  English,  Irish  and  Scotch  —  sepoys, 

go 


NURSE   AND    PATIENT  91 

prisoners  in  irons,  men  and  women  of  all  ranks, 
children — black  and  white,  of  all  ages — hundreds  of 
servants,respectable  natives  arriving  in  their  carriages, 
coolies  carrying  weights,  heavy  cannons,  field  pieces, 
carts,  elephants,  camels,  bullocks  and  horses,  were 
continually  passing  between  the  Mutcheebhawun  and 
the  Residency.  Shouting  and  gesticulating,  bustle 
and  noise,  and  occasionally  a  little  strong  language, 
were  kept  up  from  morning  till  night.  The  engineers 
were  blowing  up  buildings  and  endeavouring  to 
level  as  many  houses  as  possible.  The  din  was 
deafening  and  incessant  Sir  Henry  was  indefatig- 
able, and  when  he  slept  was  a  mystery  to  all. 

Nine  days  had  passed  since  the  outbreak,  and  the 
city,  apparently,  was  quiet.  But  those  who,  like 
Sir  Henry  Lawrence,  were  capable  of  penetrating 
below  the  surface,  and  knew  what  Oriental  plotting 
meant,  were  not  deceived  by  this  apparent  calm. 

Of  all  the  hard  workers  in  the  Residency  and  the 
Mutcheebhawun  in  those  anxious  days  while  await- 
ing the  attack,  which  all  knew  must  come  before 
many  days  were  over,  Jack  Hawke  was  the  hardest. 
He  did  not  seem  to  know  what  fatigue  was.  No- 
thing came  amiss  to  him,  from  searching  for  hidden 
guns  in  the  various  suspected  houses  in  the  city, 
to  helping  to  carry  in  bags  of  flour  to  the  stores. 

He  avoided  that  portion  of  the  Residency  which 
had  been  assigned  to  the  ladies.  Those  who  knew 
the  scandal  attached  to  his  name  were  not  surprised. 

"A  meeting  between  Captain  Hawke  and  Mrs 
Ross  would  be  exceedingly  embarrassing  for  both, 
and,  of  course,  more  embarrassing  for  him  than  for 
her,"  said  one  lady.  "  I  don't  wonder  at  his  keeping 
away." 


92  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"  Embarrassing  or  not,"  said  Mrs  Hudson,  a  blunt 
Yorkshirewoman,  the  wife  of  a  colonel  in  the  I3th 
Native  Infantry,  "they'll  have  to  meet  if  we're 
shut  up  in  these  walls.  Embarrassments  won't  go 
for  much  when  fighting's  to  be  done ;  and  in  such 
a  case  I  think  I  know  who  I'd  rather  have  with 
me.  It  wouldn't  be  Mrs  Ross.  I  mistrust  that 
woman." 

"  Aren't  you  a  little  uncharitable,  Mrs  Hudson  ?  " 
asked  Jean.  She,  with  half-a-dozen  more  ladies,  were 
busy  making  lint. 

"  Oh,  maybe  :  but  I  can't  help  airing  my  opinions. 
I  always  believe  in  speaking  my  mind.  Jack 
Hawke's  a  big,  blundering  fool.  I've  told  him  so 
more  than  once  in  the  old  days  ;  but  I  don't  think 
he's  bad  at  heart.  He  hasn't  got  the  brains  to  be 
irreclaimably  wicked." 

"  But  don't  you  think  weakness  is  sometimes  as 
bad  as  downright  wickedness?  It  does  as  much 
harm,  I'm  sure,"  put  in  an  elderly  lady  of  somewhat 
grim  aspect — Mrs  Bartley,  the  widow  of  a  com- 
missioner, and  a  Wesleyan  Methodist,  with  all  the 
conscientious  views  peculiar  to  that  religious  body. 
"  Captain  Hawke  set  a  shocking  example  to  all  the 
young  men — drinking,  gambling  and  betting." 

"  Oh,  he  was  much  about  the  same  as  the  rest.  I 
never  could  see  that  the  Company's  officers  required 
any  example.  When  they  come  out  to  India  they 
take  naturally  to  pale  ale  and  brandy  pawnees.  The 
first  duty  of  an  Anglo-Indian,  whether  he's  in  the 
Army  or  the  Civil  Service,  is  to  ruin  his  liver  as 
speedily  as  possible.  Jack  Hawke  arrived  in  Calcutta 
a  mere  boy,  and  he  was  unlucky  in  having  too  much 
money,  and  in  falling  in  with  a  fast  set.  The  D'Arcy 


NURSE   AND   PATIENT  93 

girls  would  ruin  any  young  man — they  ruined  Jack 
Hawke." 

Mrs  Bartley  did  not  dispute  this  assertion.  Indeed 
her  opinion  of  the  "  D'Arcy  girls "  was  even  more 
severe  than  that  of  Mrs  Hudson  ;  but  she  adhered 
to  her  belief  that  Hawke  was  a  most  disreputable, 
unprincipled,  worldly-minded  young  man.  Another 
lady  thought  he  was  "horrid,"  and  a  third  considered 
it  was  a  great  pity  that  he  had  come  back  to  Lucknow. 

The  talked  jarred  upon  Jean,  whose  impulses  were 
generous  and  forgiving.  Hawke  interested  her.  She 
knew  nothing  about  his  drinking  habits,  his  gambling, 
his  betting.  The  sinister  insinuations  of  Mrs  Ross 
had  not  resulted  in  prejudicing  her  against  him,  if, 
indeed,  that  was  Mrs  Ross's  object.  Jean  knew  he 
was  a  brave  man — her  father  and  Dr  Lennard  had 
said  so — and  bravery  covered  a  multitude  of  sins. 

"It's  unjust,"  thought  the  girl  indignantly, "  to  look 
only  on  the  one  side  of  anybody's  character,  and  that 
side  the  worst." 

Suddenly  the  conversation  veered  round  to  the 
"  D'Arcy  girls,"  and  some  of  the  scandalised  elderly 
ladies  had  a  good  deal  to  say  concerning  their  flirta- 
tions and  their  "  fast  "  ways  generally. 

"What  became  of  them  ?"  asked  a  lady,  who  had 
not  been  in  India  long. 

"  One  of  them — Agnes — married  a  Mr  Holcombe, 
and  she  went  home  to  England  with  her  husband. 
It  was  over  her  there  was  such  a  scandal  with 
Captain  Hawke.  It  drove  him  away." 

"And  the  other?" 

"  Edith  D'Arcy  ?  Why,  she's  Mrs  Ross,  of  course. 
Didn't  you  know  that  ? " 

Jean  started.     She  had  not  the  least  idea  that  one 


94  LOVE   BESIEGED 

of  the  D'Arcy  girls,  remembered  for  their  beauty  as 
for  their  recklessness,  was  now  Mrs  Ross.  It  seemed 
inconceivable  that  this  woman,  with  the  worn,  almost 
haggard  face,  sallow  complexion  and  bitter  tongue, 
could  have  been  the  fascinating  girl  about  whom  half 
the  men  at  the  station  raved.  But  beauty  ripens 
quickly  in  India,  and  it  might  be  that  Mrs  Ross,  who 
could  not  be  yet  thirty,  had  burned  the  candle  of  life 
too  rapidly.  Her  features  were  certainly  exquisitely 
regular,  and  her  eyes  remarkably  fine ;  while  her 
voice,  soft,  low  and  musical,  was  capable  of  infinite 
modulation.  But  the  expression?  At  times  it  was 
one  of  settled  melancholy,  at  others  it  seemed  to  show 
that  the  fever  of  unrest  was  burning  within.  She 
had  been  a  widow  scarcely  a  twelvemonth  when  the 
mutiny  broke  out,  and  to  Jean  the  faded  look  on  the 
woman's  face  was  amply  accounted  for. 

According  to  Mrs  Hudson,  the  D'Arcy  girls  had 
been  the  ruin  of  Hawke.  What  did  this  mean  ? 

Well,  it  was  no  affair  of  hers,  and  tired  of  the 
scandalmongering,  and  with  fingers  stiff  and  sore 
with  work,  Jean  rose  from  her  seat,  walked  to  the 
window,  and  looked  out  on  the  busy  scene  below. 

A  long  procession  of  natives  carrying  burdens  on 
their  heads  were  coming  in  through  the  Baillie  Guard 
Gate. 

They  were  provision  bearers.  Then  followed 
a  team  of  bullocks,  dragging  a  heavy  gun,  the  drivers 
urging  them  on  with  shrill  cries  and  hoarse  maledic- 
tions. They  were  under  the  charge  of  three  or  four 
European  officers. 

Suddenly  she  saw  one  of  the  latter  apparently  trip 
over  a  package  a  careless  native  had  let  fall,  and 
come  heavily  to  the  ground.  She  could  not  see  pre- 


NURSE   AND    PATIENT  95 

cisely  what  had  happened,  for  the  bullocks  swerved 
round.  All  she  knew  was  that  the  man's  brother 
officers  had  rushed  to  help  him. 

At  that  moment  she  was  called  away  from  the 
window.  The  chief  of  the  medical  staff,  Dr  Mac- 
pherson,  had  entered  the  room,  and  was  addressing 
the  ladies  generally. 

He  was  a  short,  burly,  bluff  man  of  about  fifty, 
a  splendid  surgeon,  and  despite  his  roughness,  with 
the  kindest  heart  in  the  world  for  the  genuine 
sufferer. 

"  Now,  leedies,"  said  he,  with  just  the  slightest 
flavour  of  Northern  accent,  "  I  want  to  have  a  few 
words  with  ye  all.  We've  got  serious  work  maybe 
before  us,  and  we  mustn't  be  taken  by  surprise. 
We'll  have  need  of  plenty  of  nurses,  so  the  sooner 
some  of  ye  learn  the  preliminaries — bandaging  and 
what  not— the  better.  Who'll  volunteer  ? " 

"  If  I  can  be  of  any  use,  doctor?  "  began  Jean. 

"Of  use,  lassie.  Why,  I'll  make  a  first-rate  nurse 
of  ye  in  less  than  no  time.  That's  one.  Who's  next  ? 
Don't  be  in  too  much  of  a  hurry  to  speak.  Mrs 
Hudson,  I  can  reckon  on  you,  I  know." 

Yes,  Mrs  Hudson  was  quite  willing,  and  so  were 
half-a-dozen  more. 

Quite  proud  of  his  success,  the  doctor  led  the  way 
to  the  banqueting  hall,  which  had  been  turned  into 
a  hospital.  A  good  many  sick  had  been  brought 
into  the  Residency  when  shelter  was  first  sought 
there,  and  some  half-a-score  of  wounded,  the  result 
of  the  outbreak  of  the  3Oth,  had  been  added  since. 

Dr  Macpherson  was  just  beginning  a  little  lecture 
when  the  tramp  of  feet  was  heard  outside,  mixed 
with  a  bumping  sound,  the  meaning  of  which  the 


96  LOVE   BESIEGED 

surgeon  knew   full   well.     It   was   the   arrival   of  a 
patient  borne  on  a  litter. 

An  orderly  opened  the  door,  and  Dr  Macpherson 
went  hastily  forward. 

"Case  of  sunstroke,  sir,"  said  the  young  officer  who 
accompanied  the  party,  "and  an  accident  besides. 
Gun  carriage  wheel  went  over  his  arm,  but  I  don't 
think  it's  broken.  It  was  on  the  loose  sand,  luckily." 

"  Ay,  ay.  Bring  him  this  way.  Put  him  on  this 
bed.  Ye're  just  in  time,  leedies,  to  have  a  vera 
useful  preliminary  lesson.  Ye'll  have  many  sunstroke 
cases  to  look  after,  and  it's  as  well  ye  should  know 
as  soon  as  possible  how  to  deal  with  them." 

The  man  was  lifted  gently  on  to  the  bed,  and  the 
women,  after  a  little  hesitation,  went  forward. 

Jean  was  in  advance,  but  the  man's  face  was 
turned  from  her.  Mrs  Hudson,  who  was  on  the 
other  side,  exclaimed  : 

"  Why,  it's  poor  Jack  Hawke ! " 

The  doctor's  eyes  fell  upon  Jean,  and  he  told  her 
to  come  nearer,  so  that  she  might  watch  what  he  did. 

"  This  isn't  a  vera  serious  case,  and  I'm  glad  of  it. 
We  can't  afford  to  lose  so  fine  a  lad." 

Hawke  was  a  stranger  to  the  surgeon,  who  had 
not  been  long  in  Lucknow. 

The  doctor  administered  restoratives,  and  eventu- 
ally Hawke  opened  his  eyes ;  but  he  had  only  half 
regained  consciousness.  He  stared  vacantly  round. 

"A  couple  of  days'  rest  and  he'll  be  all  right. 
The  arm  will  be  much  longer  in  getting  well.  It's 
badly  sprained  and  bruised.  There'll  be  plenty 
of  lotioning  and  cold-water  bandaging  for  you,  Miss 
Atherton.  He  shall  be  your  first  patient,  and  I  put 
him  under  your  care." 


NURSE   AND   PATIENT  97 

"  Dr  Macpherson,"  hurriedly  exclaimed  Mrs 
Bartley,  "just  one  word." 

There  was  a  look  of  concern  on  Mrs  Bartley's  face, 
as  though  she  had  something  very  important  to  say. 
The  good-natured  doctor  turned  aside.  She  said 
something  to  him  in  a  whisper. 

"  Pooh  !  Nonsense  !  Don't  be  ridiculous,  woman  ! " 
Dr  Macpherson  was  heard  to  say  quite  sharply. 
Whereat  Mrs  Bartley  tossed  her  head,  sniffed,  and 
put  on  a  resigned,  deprecatory  attitude,  as  much  as 
to  say,  "  Well,  I've  done  my  duty.  For  whatever 
happens,  please  remember  I'm  not  responsible." 

As  a  matter  of  fact,  she  had  whispered  to  the 
surgeon,  that,  in  her  opinion,  a  young  and  handsome 
girl  ought  not  to  be  put  to  nurse  a  good-looking 
dare-devil  of  a  fellow  like  Jack  Hawke. 

Macpherson  turned  back  rather  irritably  to  the 
patient.  He  hated  any  interference  with  his  orders, 
and  nothing  put  him  out  so  much.  Nevertheless, 
he  cast  a  shrewd  glance  at  both  Jean  and  Hawke. 

"  He's  a  braw  lad,  and  she's  a  bonnie  lassie,"  he 
muttered  to  himself,  "but  she's  no  fule.  Plenty  of 
decision  in  that  handsome  face  of  hers,  though, 
maybe,  she  hasn't  yet  been  worried  about  deciding 
anything  more  important  than  the  shape  of  a  bonnet 
or  the  fit  of  a  frock.  He'll  be  out  of  this  place  in 
two  days,  or  three  at  the  most." 

And  so  it  came  to  pass  that  Jean's  first  experience 
of  nursing  was  to  keep  Jack  Hawke's  left  arm  well 
supplied  with  wet  bandages.  The  duty  was  not 
a  very  arduous  one,  and  only  entailed  visits  to  the 
hospital  at  stated  times. 

It  would  be  untrue  to  say  that  Jean  did  not  feel 
an  interest  in  her  patient.  His  tawny  hair  was  cut 
G 


98  LOVE   BESIEGED 

close  to  his  head  by  order  of  the  doctor,  and  the 
mass  of  rings  which  formerly  came  rather  low  down 
in  front,  no  longer  hid  his  broad  rather  than  high 
forehead. 

He  lay  very  quiet  all  that  day,  and  seemed  quite 
content  to  watch  Jean's  soft  white  fingers  deftly 
applying  the  cool  white  bandages.  Not  a  word 
escaped  his  lips.  The  effect  of  the  sunstroke  seemed 
to  partake  of  the  nature  of  semi-paralysis,  and  for 
some  hours  he  remained  in  a  kind  of  lethargy, 
conscious  of  what  was  going  on,  and  quite  aware  of 
the  ministrations  of  his  nurse  and  accepting  every- 
thing in  a  dreamy,  helpless  condition. 

The  coolness  of  the  night  air  worked  wonders,  and 
about  an  hour  before  midnight  he  fell  into  a  deep 
sleep.  At  five  o'clock  he  awoke.  The  hospital 
orderly  happened  to  be  near  him. 

He  cast  a  quick  glance  round,  and  seemed  as  if 
he  were  making  a  strong  effort  to  pull  himself 
together. 

"  Orderly,"  said  he,  abruptly,  "  what  are  the  arrange- 
ments here?  Will  the  same  nurse — lady,  I  mean, 
attend  me  to-day?" 

"  I  don't  know,  sir.     I  suppose  so." 

Hawke  was  silent  for  a  moment,  and  then  said: 

"  Can  you  shave  ?  " 

M  Yes,  sir." 

"Then  just  take  off  this  stubble.  You'll  find  a 
rupee  in  the  pocket  of  that  waistcoat.  I  shall  look 
a  little  less  like  a  scarecrow  with  my  chin  a  bit 
cleaner,"  he  muttered  to  himself. 

The  orderly  was  only  too  glad  to  earn  the  rupee, 
and  when  his  beard  of  a  week's  growth  was  removed, 
Hawke  looked  quite  a  gentleman.  He  insisted  on 


NURSE   AND    PATIENT  99 

rising  in  spite  of  the  orderly's  arguments  that  he 
would  be  much  better  in  bed.  "  A  fellow  looks  like 
a  molly-coddle,"  was  his  rejoinder.  "  Besides  I  feel 
as  fit  as  a  fiddle,  save  this  confounded  arm  of  mine." 

"You  don't  look  it,  sir.     Your  eyes  are  queer." 

"So  would  yours  be  if  you'd  been  working  for 
three  days  in  the  blazing  sun.  I'm  a  little  giddy 
about  the  nut,  but  that'll  pass  off  in  a  few  hours. 
Can  you  give  me  a  brandy  pawnee  ?  " 

"  Not  without  the  doctor's  orders." 

"  Hang  the  doctor  !  Well,  what  time  did  you  say 
my  lady  attendant  was  expected  ?  " 

"About  seven,  sir,  and  it's  now  six.  If  you  like 
I  could  change  these  bandages  for  you.  They're 
very  dry." 

"Let  them  alone,  will  you?"  said  Hawke 
fiercely. 

He  dressed  himself  with  the  assistance  of  the 
orderly,  and  awaited  Jean's  coming,  his  eyes  con- 
stantly wandering  to  the  clock  on  the  wall,  as  though 
time  didn't  move  quickly  enough  for  him. 

At  last  she  appeared,  and  his  face  brightened. 

"  Are  you  better  ?  "  said  she. 

"Yes,"  he  said  slowly,  "thanks  to  you.  You've 
been  very  kind." 

"  Oh,  it's  nothing,"  she  answered  lightly,  and  at 
the  same  time  a  little  nervously.  The  strange  light 
in  his  ardent  eyes  was  something  she  was  not  used 
to.  "  It's  only  the  duty  of  the  women  to  help  in  the 
hospital  work.  Unhappily,  we  can  do  no  more." 

"  It's  everything.  But  some  of  the  men  here  are 
not  worth  the  trouble." 

"  Why  do  you  say  that  ?  " 

She  was  taking  off  the  bandages  and  she  felt  him 


ioo  LOVE   BESIEGED 

wince.  His  arm  was  terribly  bruised  and  battered 
and  the  skin  was  broken. 

"Ah,  I  hurt  you.  I'm  so  sorry.  It's  my  awkward- 
ness, but  I  hope  to  improve." 

"  I  don't  mind  being  experimented  upon  by  you, 
Miss  Atherton,"  said  he  ;  "  if  you  become  proficient 
through  practising  on  my  arm,  it'll  show,  anyhow, 
that  I'm  not  altogether  good  for  nothing." 

Again  he  looked  at  her  with  that  fiery  glance. 
She  felt  a  little  embarrassed  ;  perhaps  he  noticed  it, 
for  he  was  silent  while  she  replaced  the  dry  bandages 
with  wet  ones. 

"And  now,  I  suppose,  you'll  go  and  make  some 
other  lucky  beggar  feel  he's  had  a  glimpse  of  heaven," 
said  he  huskily. 

"  I'm  glad  the  cool  wet  rags  give  you  so  much  relief," 
said  she,  wilfully  misunderstanding  him. 

"  Hang  the  rags  !  I  beg  your  pardon,  Miss  Atherton, 
When  I  spoke  of  heaven  just  now  I  didn't  refer  to 
this  arm  of  mine." 

"  I  know  you  did  not.  But  you  musn't  say  such 
things,  please." 

"  When  are  you  coming  again  ?  "  he  anxiously 
asked. 

"  Dr  Macpherson  said  every  three  hours  the  band- 
ages were  to  be  changed." 

"  They'll  be  stiff  and  dry  long  before  then.  Mac 
doesn't  know  what  this  fiendish  climate  can  do. 
Two  hours — say  you'll  come  in  two  hours?" 

"Very  well,"  she  interposed  hastily,  "  I'll  return  in 
two  hours'  time." 

He  gave  her  a  grateful  look,  and  she  glided  away. 


CHAPTER  VII 

THE  GREEN-EYED  MONSTER 

As  Jean  was  hastening  along  the  corridor,  she 
suddenly  came  face  to  face  with  Mrs  Ross.  The 
latter  had  entered  the  corridor  from  a  narrow  passage 
leading  to  the  rooms  occupied  by  the  ladies.  The 
light,  feeble  as  it  was,  enabled  Jean  to  see  that  the 
woman  was  strangely  agitated.  Her  face  was  deadly 
pale,  her  lips  worked  convulsively,  her  hands  trembled 
with  excitement. 

"  Miss  Atherton,"  exclaimed  Mrs  Ross  fiercely, 
feverishly, "  is  it  true  you've  charge  of  Captain  Hawke, 
now  in  the  hospital  ?  I  was  very  unwell  all  yesterday, 
and  have  only  just  heard  of  it." 

"  Captain  Hawke  has  badly  bruised  and  sprained 
his  arm,  and  Dr  Macpherson  asked  me  to  renew 
the  bandages.  I  don't  know  whether  that  means 
that  he  is  under  my  charge,"  answered  Jean  quietly. 

Mrs  Ross's  breath  came  quick  and  short. 

"  You  remember  I  warned  you  against  him  ?  "  she 
burst  out. 

"  Oh  yes,  I  remember  perfectly  well.  You  didn't 
explain  why." 

"There  was  no  necessity.  You  were  fresh  from 
England,  and  why  should  an  old  scandal  in  which 
you  have  no  personal  interest  be  raked  up?  I 
thought  it  was  sufficient  to  caution  you  about  the 
danger  of  associating  withCaptain  Hawke." 

101 


102  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"You're  mistaken,"  said  Jean,  her  cheek  flushing 
with  annoyance.  "  I  am  not  associating  with  Captain 
Hawke.  Dr  Macpherson  wanted  as  many  ladies  as 
possible  to  learn  something  about  hospital  nursing, 
lest  our  services  should  be  required.  It's  purely  an 
accident  that  has  forced  upon  me  the  duty  of  attending 
Captain  Hawke.  I  fail  to  see  why  I  should  be 
answerable  to  you,  Mrs  Ross,  for  anything  I  may 
do." 

Jean  was  angry.  Mrs  Ross's  anxiety  and  absurd 
officiousness  annoyed  her.  Did  the  woman  imagine 
she  was  about  to  fall  in  love  with  Hawke?  No 
wonder  her  face  crimsoned. 

To  her  surprise,  Mrs  Ross  did  not,  as  she  expected, 
return  a  tart  answer.  Her  manner  changed  ;  her 
voice  softened. 

"  Forgive  me,  dear  Miss  Atherton.  Of  course, 
I've  no  right  to  make  suggestions  to  you.  I  was  only 
thinking  of  my  own  unhappy  girlhood.  I  pity  anyone 
who  makes  the  same  mistake  as  I  did.  You're  not 
offended,  are  you  ?  " 

Mrs  Ross  held  out  her  hand.  Jean  could  not  help 
taking  it.  Mrs  Ross  was  apologetic,  conciliatory, 
almost  humble. 

"  Now,"  she  went  on,  "  we  all  ought  to  be  friends, 
and  yet  it  seems  to  me  that  since  we've  been  shut  up 
in  the  Residency  there  have  been  more  bickerings 
and  quarrels  than  ever." 

This  was  quite  true.  Anglo-Indian  society  in  those 
days  was  a  mass  of  frivolity  and  jealousy,  always 
accentuated  when  people  have  plenty  of  money  and 
little  to  do.  The  wives  and  daughters  of  the  officers 
and  civilian  officials  took  their  personal  enmities  with 
them  into  the  Residency.  Until  the  actual  siege 


THE   GREEN-EYED   MONSTER       103 

began,  when  the  better  part  of  human  nature  came 
out,  the  place  was  a  hotbed  of  gossip  and  petty 
disagreements,  not  always  good-natured  and  harm- 
less. 

The  heat  and  the  strained  condition  of  the  nerves 
were  no  doubt  answerable  for  a  good  deal  of  this 
irritability.  Maybe  not  a  little  was  due  to  the 
enforced  crowding  together  of  ill-assorted  natures 
which  jarred  upon  each  other. 

"  Let's  go  into  this  little  room  and  talk  there," 
said  Mrs  Ross  suddenly.  "  It  faces  the  north.  It's 
as  cool  as  the  tyekhana,  and  much  pleasanter  with 
the  open  window  looking  on  the  river." 

Jean  consented,  and  they  sat  down  on  the  low 
basket  seats.  The  light  fell  athwart  Mrs  Ross's  face, 
and  her  profile,  faultless  in  contour,  showed  sharply 
and  distinctly  against  the  wall  behind.  Where  Jean 
was  sitting  it  came  distinctly  into  view,  and  she  was 
struck  by  its  strangely  un-English  look. 

With  all  its  regularity,  it  was  an  enigmatical  face. 
Calm  and  impassive  as  now,  there  was  something 
which  suggested  that  her  nature  could  rise  to  heights 
of  passion  undreamt  of  by  placid  people  with  even 
temperaments. 

"  You  in  England  don't  understand  quarrels 
ending  in  death,"  said  Mrs  Ross,  with  a  peculiar 
smile. 

"  Oh,  there  are  such  things,  but  they  don't  happen 
often." 

"  Ah  !  In  India  death,  sooner  or  later,  ends  all 
quarrels.  We  hate  with  our  whole  souls." 

"We?"  repeated  Jean  wonderingly. 

"  Didn't  you  know  I  had  Indian  blood  in  my 
veins  ? " 


io4  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Mrs  Ross  laughed.  It  wasn't  a  pleasant  laugh. 
Jean  had  heard  many  such  in  the  streets  of 
Lucknow. 

"Yes,"  she  went  on,  "my  grandfather,  Colonel 
D'Arcy,  was  one  of  Lord  Clive's  officers.  He  married 
the  daughter  of  an  Indian  rajah.  They  say  I'm  like 
her." 

Mrs  Ross  leaned  back  in  her  chair,  and  raising  her 
arms  clasped  her  hands  behind  her  head.  She  had 
crossed  her  knees,  and  one  foot  was  lazily  swinging. 

In  her  were  all  the  typical  characteristics  of  the 
Hindoo  woman.  The  feet  and  hands,  the  ankles  and 
wrists,  were  small  and  delicately  fashioned ;  the 
forehead  low,  the  chin  beautifully  rounded.  Her 
attitude  and  expression  just  then  were  of  the 
languorous  warmth  and  the  love  of  repose  which 
belong  to  the  East. 

They  chatted  on  trivial  matters,  as  women  do 
when  they  feel  there  is  one  subject  it  is  not  safe 
for  either  to  approach.  Suddenly,  in  the  middle  of 
a  sentence,  Mrs  Ross  sprang  to  her  feet.  Her  keen 
eyes  had  caught  sight  of  a  couple  of  horsemen 
galloping  in  at  the  Baillie  Guard  Gate.  A  few 
musket  shots  could  be  heard  some  distance  away. 

"  What's  the  matter?"  cried  Jean. 

"  Who  can  say  ?  "  returned  Mrs  Ross,  with  a  flash 
like  midnight  lightning  from  her  dark  eyes.  "  Aren't 
we  living  on  a  volcano?  Who  knows  when  it  may 
burst  into  flame?" 

They  watched  the  two  horsemen  gallop  to  one  of 
the  doors  of  the  Residency,  and  throw  themselves 
from  their  horses.  Instantly  there  was  a  commotion, 
and  a  dozen  men  or  more  were  seen  running  to  the 
stables, 


THE    GREEN-EYED    MONSTER     105 

No  cause  for  alarm  could  be  seen.  But  Jean  felt 
horribly  nervous.  She  declared  she  must  inquire 
what  had  happened. 

"Do  as  you  like,"  said  Mrs  Ross.  "Anyhow,  if 
it's  bad  news  we  shall  hear  of  it  soon  enough." 

Jean  ran  towards  Sir  Henry  Lawrence's  quarters. 
She  met  an  officer  with  whom  she  had  some  slight 
acquaintance,  and  begged  him  to  tell  her  what  was 
going  on. 

"  The  infantry  police  have  followed  the  example 
of  their  gallant  comrades  the  cavalry,"  said  he,  "  and 
joined  the  rebels." 

The  officer  bowed  to  Jean  and  darted  away.  The 
girl  went  back  where  she  had  left  Mrs  Ross,  but 
found  that  she  was  gone.  Men's  shouts  and  oaths 
came  from  the  street.  She  ran  to  the  window. 

What  could  only  be  called  an  awkward  squad  was 
going  in  chase  of  the  mutineers.  The  men  had 
rushed  to  the  stables,  or  to  any  place  where  they 
were  likely  to  find  a  horse.  They  seized  what  they 
could. 

A  field  piece  was  being  dragged  along  by  some 
wretched-looking  animals,  and  a  few  volunteers  had 
found  seats  on  the  tumbril.  The  infantry  could  not 
be  got  ready  in  time,  so  the  mounted  men  did  not 
wait,  but  went  out  helter-skelter.  No  order  or 
formation  could  be  kept.  Very  few  of  the  Europeans 
were  military  men,  and  the  regulars  were  represented 
by  sixty  or  seventy  Sikhs. 

Agitated  by  what  she  had  seen,  and  by  thoughts 
of  what  might  follow,  Jean  slowly  made  her  way 
back  to  the  hospital. 

Do  what  she  could,  the  caution  which  Mrs  Ross 
persisted  in  giving  her  respecting  Hawke  was  upper- 


io6  LOVE   BESIEGED 

most  in  her  mind.  She  wished  Mrs  Ross  had  said 
nothing.  It  made  her  think  of  the  man  otherwise 
than  as  simply  a  patient,  and  for  this  she  had  no 
desire.  What  was  Captain  Hawke  to  her?  For 
all  that  as  she  entered  the  room,  the  colour  on  her 
face  deepened. 

It  was  impossible  for  her  not  to  be  conscious  of 
the  change  which  went  over  Hawke's  countenance 
when  he  saw  her  enter.  The  gloom,  the  anxiety 
disappeared  :  his  features  became  restful. 

"  I  thought  you  were  never  coming,"  said  he 
eagerly.  "  The  time  has  passed  so  slowly." 

"  You  make  a  very  bad  patient,  Captain  Hawke," 
was  Jean's  reply.  "  You're  too  impatient." 

"  Yes,  I  suppose  so.  Yet  I  think  I  could  be  patient, 
if — ifyou  bade  me  hope." 

What  did  the  man  mean  ?  She  resolved  to  fix  her 
mind  on  the  routine  of  the  duty  and  take  no  notice 
of  anything  beyond.  She  asked  him  for  no  explana- 
tion, but  went  on  preparing  her  cold-water  bandages. 
Perhaps  he  saw  that  she  wasn't  inclined  to  talk,  for 
he  was  silent,  and  contented  himself  with  watching  her. 

"I'm  an  ass,"  he  muttered  savagely.  "  I'd  better 
hold  my  tongue  or  I  shall  say  something  that  may 
embarrass  or  offend  her,  and  that'll  shut  me  up." 

Jean  clearly  was  improving  with  practice,  for  the 
renewal  of  the  bandages  took  a  shorter  time  than 
ever.  At  least,  it  seemed  so  to  Hawke. 

Having  completed  her  task  she  rose,  and  would 
have  taken  her  leave  silently,  in  pursuance  of  her 
resolution  to  be  a  nurse  and  nothing  but  a  nurse. 
But  she  saw  the  eager,  yearning  look  in  his  eyes,  and 
it  seemed  heartless  to  go  without  a  word.  Hawke, 
at  any  rate,  had  no  intention  that  she  should. 


THE   GREEN-EYED    MONSTER     107 

"  When  will  you  visit  me  again?"  he  asked,  implor- 
ingly. 

"  At  the  proper  time,"  said  she,  with  decision. 

"Ah,  yes,  of  course.  I  couldn't  expect  otherwise," 
he  returned  in  a  dull  tone. 

She  walked  swiftly  across  the  room,  and  went  out. 
His  eyes  followed  her. 

"Jack." 

Mrs  Ross  had  approached  unseen,  and  was  stand- 
ing by  his  side. 

"  Why  do  you  come  here  ? "  he  asked,  recovering 
himself  with  an  effort. 

"  Is  that  girl  your  latest  conquest  ?  " 

"  I've  nothing  to  say  to  you,  Mrs  Ross.  You've 
done  me  injury  enough.  Leave  me  alone.  Go." 

"  Not  yet.  I  want  to  talk  to  you  about  Jean 
Atherton.  May  I  ask  if  you've  acquainted  her  with 
certain  interesting  events  in  your  past  life,  or  do  you 
wish  other  people  to  save  you  the  trouble  ?  " 

He  bit  his  white  lips,  and  his  nostrils  quivered  with 
passion. 

"You,  for  instance?"  he  replied  in  a  low  hoarse 
tone. 

"  Oh  yes,  if  you  like." 

"  What  have  I  done  to  you,  Edith  Ross,  that  you 
should  pursue  me  so  bitterly,  so  mercilessly  ?  " 

"  Pursue  you  ?  Why  have  you  come  back  to  be 
pursued?  You  know  my  feelings  towards  you. 
They  haven't  changed — they  never  will  change.  The 
only  love  I've  ever  had  for  man  I  gave  to  you,  Jack." 

"  I  wish  to  heaven  I'd  never  seen  your  face,"  said 
he,  scowlingly. 

"  Amen  to  that,"  she  cried,  with  heaving  heart  and 
quivering  lip;  "but  it  was  to  be.  How  can  we 


io8  LOVE   BESIEGED 

escape  our  fate?  Just  think.  Didn't  we,  five  years 
ago,  bid  each  other  farewell  ?  and " 

"  Did  we  say  farewell  ?  "  he  asked  ironically.  "  I 
thought  we  parted  with  mutual  execrations.  I  per- 
fectly remember  what  my  feelings  were." 

"  If  I  said  anything  that  was  bitter,  forgive  me," 
she  exclaimed  passionately.  "  Don't  you  know  I 
would  crawl  in  the  dust,  humble  myself  before  you 
for  one  smile,  one  fond  word  such  as  you  used  to  give 
me?" 

"  I  know  I  was  a  silly  young  fool,  or  I  shouldn't 
have  forged  George  Holcombe's  name  to  get  you 
money,  after  I'd  spent  every  farthing  of  my  own." 

"  Yes,  I  tempted  you,  I  own  ;  but  no  harm  came  of 
it.  George  made  it  right  with  the  bank,  and  no  one 
knew  anything  about  the  matter." 

"  Do  you  call  the  contempt  of  George  Holcombe 
nothing  ?  Was  giving  up  your  sister  Agnes  nothing  ? 
My  love  for  her  is  an  old  memory  now ;  it  was  real 
enough  then.  I  believe  it  nearly  broke  my  heart  when 
I  told  her,  disgraced  as  I  was,  I  couldn't  become  her 
husband.  And  what  happened  afterwards  ?  " 

His  brow  became  black  as  midnight. 

"Yes,  yes,  I  know,"  she  replied  hurriedly.  "We 
needn't  recall  that  incident." 

"Oh,  but  it's  as  well  we  should  keep  it  in  our 
minds.  7  intend  to  do  so.  Perhaps  you've  forgotten 
the  particulars.  I'll  refresh  your  memory.  George 
Holcombe  received  certain  scandalous  anonymous 
letters  reflecting  on  his  wife.  They  contained  allu- 
sions to  matters  which  could  only  be  known  to  her, 
to  me,  and  to  one  other  person.  The  letters  were  in 
my  handwriting,  or  near  enough,  and  they  were 
posted  by  my  own  servant.  He  swore,  you  remember, 


THE   GREEN-EYED   MONSTER     109 

that  I  gave  them  to  him.  What  could  I  do  or  say 
against  such  evidence  ?  Wasn't  it  better  I  should 
clear  out  of  Lucknow  ?  What's  your  opinion  ? " 

Edith  Ross  moved  her  dry  lips,  but  no  sound  came 
from  them. 

"  I  think  we've  nothing  more  to  talk  about,"  he 
went  on  coldly.  "  I  don't  understand,  since  circum- 
stances have  forced  me  to  meet  you  again,  why  you 
should  choose  to  persecute  and  slander  me." 

"  That  is  it — you  don't  understand." 

"  Very  well ;  let  it  remain  so.  I  always  was  slow 
in  reading  women.  Now  let's  drop  the  subject." 

"  And  Jean  Atherton  ?  "  she  asked  huskily. 

"  Ah" — he  drew  a  long  breath — "  if  the  time  ever 
comes  when  I  may  speak  freely  to  Jean  Atherton,  I 
sha'n't  sail  under  false  colours.  I  think,"  he  went  on 
musingly,  and  apparently  not  caring  whether  the 
woman  heard  him  or  not,  "  death  itself  wouldn't  be 
unwelcome,  if  I  knew  she  loved  me.  And,  by  heaven, 
she  shall  love  me." 

Every  syllable  lashed  Edith  Ross  like  the  sting  of 
a  whip.  Her  shapely,  delicate  fingers  were  inter- 
twined, and  pressed  till  they  were  almost  bloodless. 

She  rose,  every  nerve  quivering  with  fierce 
passion. 

"  And  you  think  she  will  ?  "  she  cried.  "  We'll  see. 
You  pretend  to  scorn  the  hand  of  fate.  It  may  be 
your  destiny  to  be  tortured  as  I've  been  tortured. 
Or  maybe,  you'll  come  to  me  to  help  you,  as  you 
came  in  the  old  days  to  ask  me  to  help  you  to  gain 
the  love  of  Agnes " 

"  Who  was  as  heartless  as  yourself,  and  cared  for 
me  as  little  as " 

"  As  Jean  Atherton." 


no  LOVE   BESIEGED 

The  strain  on  her  nerves  was  too  intense  to  be 
borne  in  the  presence  of  Jack  Hawke.  With  a  face 
like  marble,  she  hastened  from  the  hospital. 

Alone  in  the  corridor,  Mrs  Ross  could  have  burst 
into  a  flood  of  tears,  but  with  a  strong  effort  of 
will  she  restrained  herself.  Her  nerves  were  over- 
wrought, her  senses  confused,  and  it  was  with  difficulty 
she  found  her  way  back  to  her  room,  which  she 
shared  with  other  ladies. 

Fortunately  they  were  absent,  having  gone  to  the 
tyekhana  for  coolness.  She  flung  herself  on  the  bed, 
and  there  lay  for  hours,  exhausted,  and  more  dead 
than  alive. 

About  eight  o'clock  the  grounds  of  the  Residency 
were  filled  with  an  excited  crowd.  The  detachment 
of  improvised  cavalry,  the  two  field  pieces,  and  the 
two  companies  of  the  32nd  despatched  to  punish  the 
mutineering  military  police,  had  returned  weary  and 
footsore.  They  had  had  a  long  and  trying  march  on 
an  exceptionally  hot  day,  and  what  was  much  worse, 
had  done  very  little  good. 

They  had  not  succeeded  in  having  a  fair  blow  at 
the  main  body.  The  cavalry  could  have  reached  the 
enemy,  but  were  not  allowed  to  charge.  Though 
their  hearts  were  good,  they  were  not  disciplined 
warriors,  and  the  result  might  have  been  disastrous, 
so  broken  and  difficult  was  the  ground.  The  guns 
did  a  little  execution,  but  the  infantry  came  up  too 
late  to  be  of  any  use. 

Edith  Ross  had  by  this  time  recovered  her  com- 
posure, and  with  the  other  ladies  went  to  see  the 
returning  force  march — if  the  limping,  halting  gait 
of  the  exhausted  men  could  be  called  a  march — 
through  the  Baillie  Guard  Gate. 


THE    GREEN-EYED    MONSTER     in 

Some  ten  prisoners  had  been  captured  ;  they  were 
tied  together  by  a  rope,  and  passed  very  close  to 
where  the  women  were  standing.  One  man  in  the 
dress  of  a  bhistie,  or  water-carrier,  attracted  their 
attention.  His  face  was  not  that  of  a  low-class 
native.  He  had  a  beard  and  moustache  and  a  pair 
of  remarkably  keen  piercing  eyes. 

Suddenly  there  was  a  commotion  in  the  group. 

"  Mrs  Ross  has  fainted,"  exclaimed  someone 
hastily. 

At  that  moment  the  water-carrier  paused,  and  his 
flashing  eyes  remained  fixed  on  the  figure  of  the 
half-senseless  woman. 

Mrs  Ross's  unconsciousness  lasted  but  a  short 
time.  She  was  not  a  weak-nerved  woman,  but  that 
day  of  violent  emotion  and  revulsion  of  feeling 
had  been  a  trying  one. 

She  had  received  a  terrible  shock.  In  the  water- 
carrier  who  had  been  brought  in  as  a  prisoner  she 
recognised  the  one  man  in  India  whom  she  least 
desired  to  meet.  Azimoolah  Khan  !  This  man  had 
been  Jack  Hawke's  confidential  native  servant  in  the 
days  of  the  reckless  young  officer's  prosperity, 
when  he  gambled  and  betted  and  drank,  and  went 
through  the  whole  gamut  of  Anglo-Indian  vice. 

"  Are  you  better  ? "  said  a  girl's  voice. 

Jean  Atherton  was  by  her  side.  Edith  Ross  had 
not  regained  her  self-command,  and  she  could  not 
disguise  the  look  of  hatred  which  flashed  across  her 
features  when  she  recognised  Jean. 

"  Oh  yes,  I'm  better,  thank  you,"  she  rejoined  in  a 
dry,  hollow  tone. 

At  that  moment  Ernest  Lennard  came  up  and 
one  of  the  ladies  hastily  told  him  what  had  happened. 


ii2  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"  I  should  advise  you  to  take  a  long  rest,"  said  he, 
with  a  searching  glance  at  Mrs  Ross. 

"Excellent  advice  if  it  only  could  be  followed," 
she  replied.  "  Give  me  your  arm,  Dr  Lennard.  I 
want  to  talk  to  you." 

He  obeyed.  They  separated  themselves  from  the 
group  of  ladies.  But  despite  Mrs  Ross's  expressed 
desire  to  talk,  she  said  nothing.  As  a  matter  of 
fact,  all  she  wanted  was  to  get  away  from  the 
sympathy  of  her  friends. 

Lennard  was  not  surprised  at  her  silence.  It  was 
only  natural.  A  fainting  fit  was  generally  followed 
by  lassitude  and  exhaustion.  He  made  no  reference 
to  it,  but  talked  on  other  subjects. 

"It's  a  pity,"  said  he,  "Colonel  Inglis  couldn't 
have  given  the  rebel  police  a  sharp  lesson.  As  it  is, 
they've  got  safely  away,  free  either  to  go  on  to 
Cawnpore  or  to  join  the  other  mutineers,  and  attack 
us  in  Lucknow  when  the  time  comes.  All  we  have 
to  show  for  our  day's  work  are  those  ten  prisoners  I 
saw  being  taken  into  the  Baillie  Guard." 

"Into  the  Baillie  Guard?"  repeated  Mrs  Ross. 
"  What  will  be  done  with  them  ?  " 

"  The  sepoys  of  the  party  may  be  hanged.  The 
others,  the  villagers — I  noticed  a  grass-cutter  and  a 
water-carrier — may  be  released.  It  depends  upon 
what  they  were  doing." 

Dr  Lennard  had  by  this  time  conducted  Mrs  Ross 
to  the  main  entrance  of  the  Residency. 

"  Thank  you,"  said  she,  "  I  feel  much  better.  I 
think  I  can  mount  the  stairs  to  my  room  without 
any  assistance.  I'll  release  you,  Dr  Lennard,  so 
you'll  now  be  able  to  devote  yourself  entirely  to 
Miss  Atherton." 


THE   GREEN-EYED    MONSTER     113 

She  said  this  with  a  suspicion  of  malice,  partly 
because  she  had  noticed  the  young  doctor's  atten- 
tions, and  partly  because  she  could  never  think  of 
Jean  without  bitterness. 

Edith  Ross  fixed  her  dark  glittering  eyes  on 
Lennard,  and  did  not  fail  to  note  the  effect  of  her 
words. 

"  He's  in  love  with  her,"  she  thought.  "  So  much 
the  better.  If  I  could  bring  about  an  engagement 
between  them  it  would  settle  Jack  Hawke.  But 
that  must  wait.  I've  something  much  more  pressing 
to  think  of." 

The  shadows  of  evening  were  lengthening  apace. 
The  sun  had  nearly  dipped  below  the  horizon.  The 
white  cupolas,  minarets  and  towers  of  Lucknow 
were  tinted  with  a  rosy  glow.  Mrs  Ross  ascended 
to  her  room,  and  sat  watching  the  west  till  the  sun 
had  wholly  disappeared.  Then  changing  her  white 
dress  for  a  darker  one,  which  in  the  grey  light  would 
not  be  readily  noticeable,  she  stole  out.  She  went 
in  the  direction  of  the  Baillie  Guard. 

The  Baillie  Guard  was  a  continuation  of  that 
portion  of  the  Residency  which  had  been  converted 
into  the  hospital,  built  on  ground  to  which  one  had 
to  descend  considerably.  A  portion  of  it  was  used 
as  a  store-room,  another  as  a  treasure  depository, 
and  the  remainder  as  offices  and  the  barracks  of  the 
native  soldiers  who  had  remained  faithful  to  their 
allegiance. 

Within  one  of  the  smaller  rooms  of  the  Baillie 
Guard,  the  captured  natives  had  been  temporarily 
confined. 

The  officer  on  duty  for  the  night  was  of  that 
immature  age  and  experience  when  a  man  has  a 
u 


ii4  LOVE   BESIEGED 

tendency  to  fall  in  love  with  a  woman  older  than 
himself.  His  infatuation  amused  Mrs  Ross,  and  she 
permitted  Lieutenant  Hilton  at  times  to  flirt  mildly 
with  her.  At  others,  she  snubbed  him  unmercifully. 

He  was  standing  in  the  doorway,  smoking  a 
cheroot,  when  she  stole  softly  up  to  him. 

"  Is  it  you,  Mrs  Ross?  "  he  exclaimed. 

"  Why  not  ?  But  I  suppose  you  would  rather  it 
were  someone  else." 

"  Hang  it  all,  not  likely.  But  you  haven't  come 
to  see  me,  I'll  bet." 

"Why  not?  Anyhow, you  don't  seem  particularly 
glad  to  see  me,  so  I'll  go  away." 

"  Don't — don't,"  he  pleaded.  "  I  am  glad— awfully 
glad.  I  thought  I'd  offended  you.  I  passed  you 
twice  to-day  and  you  never  noticed  me." 

"  Poor  fellow,"  said  she,  in  the  melting  tones 
always  at  her  command.  She  held  out  her  hand  in 
token  of  amity,  and  the  enraptured  youth  raised  it 
to  his  lips. 

"There,  that'll  do.  You  needn't  hold  my  fingers 
so  tightly." 

"I  should  like  to  hold  them  for  ever,"  he  mur- 
mured. 

"Don't  be  silly.  I  suppose  you're  on  duty  now, 
Fred,  and  that  I'm  doing  wrong  in  talking  to  you." 

It  was  the  first  time  she  had  called  him  Fred,  and 
the  monosyllable  from  her  lips  thrilled  him  to  the 
finger-tips. 

"  You  can't  do  wrong  in  my  eyes,  Edith.  I  may 
call  you  Edith — mayn't  I  ?  " 

"  Perhaps — if  you  behave  yourself  very  nicely. 
But  I  mustn't  be  seen  here.  Suppose  any  of  your 
brother  officers  were  to  pass." 


THE   GREEN-EYED   MONSTER      115 

She  allowed  him  to  hold  her  hand,  and  the  poor 
lad,  overcome  with  such  condescension,  scarcely 
knew  whether  he  was  standing  on  his  head  or  his 
heels. 

"  Do  you  know  why  I  came  to  see  you  ? "  said 
she,  fingering  a  button  on  his  uniform.  "  I  felt  so 
dull,  I  wanted  somone  nice  to  talk  to  me." 

Lieutenant  Hilton  was  delighted. 

"No;  you  don't  mean  it?  How  awfully  jolly  of 
you." 

Her  hair  brushed  his  cheek,  and  had  he  dared  he 
would  have  kissed  it,  but  he  always  had  a  fearful 
joy  in  flirting  with  Edith  Ross.  He  never  knew 
when  she  was  in  the  mood  for  unlimited  admiration. 

Suddenly  she  drew  herself  back. 

"  What's  that  noise  ? "  she  asked. 

"  Those  prisoners  who  were  brought  in  about  an 
hour  ago.  What  a  jolly  row  the  beggars  are  making. 
I'll  make  'em  shut  up  if  you  like." 

"  Oh,  it  doesn't  matter  at  all,  now  that  I  know 
the  meaning  of  the  noise.  I'm  so  interested  in 
prisons  and  prisoners.  They  always  make  me  think 
of  Baron  Trenck,  the  Man  in  the  Iron  Mask,  the 
Prisoner  of  Chillon,  and  half-a-dozen  more.  There's 
so  much  romance  in  a  prison.  Don't  you  think  so  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know.  I've  never  seen  any  romance  in 
a  prison.  I've  seen  a  good  deal  of  dirt,"  said  the 
prosaic  Hilton. 

"  I  should  so  awfully  like  to  know  what  the  inside 
of  a  prison's  like.  Mayn't  I  have  just  one  peep?" 
said  she,  glancing  upwards. 

"  I  wouldn't  if  I  were  you — you  won't  like  it." 
"  Oh,  but  I  must.  I've  set  my  heart  upon  it." 
Lieutenant  Hilton  laughed.  A  pretty  woman's 


n6  LOVE  BESIEGED 

whim  must  be  gratified.  He  conducted  her  along 
a  passage  to  the  door  of  a  room,  in  front  of  which  a 
couple  of  sentries  were  posted.  At  the  young 
officer's  orders  the  door  was  opened  a  little  way. 

"  Oh,  but  I  can't  see,"  objected  the  lady.  "  I  want 
to  go  in  altogether  and  feel  that  I'm  really  in 
prison." 

Hilton  allowed  her  to  enter.  A  smoky  lamp  was 
hanging  in  the  centre  of  the  room.  Its  lurid  light 
obscured  rather  than  revealed  the  men  squatted  on 
the  ground  huddled  together.  At  the  extreme  end 
was  the  bhistie,  his  eyes  glowing  like  coals  from 
beneath  his  dark,  lowering  brows. 

"May  I  say  a  word  to  any  of  them?"  inquired 
Mrs  Ross,  with  soft  timidity. 

"  If  you  like.     /  don't  mind." 

The  lady  spoke  to  the  water-carrier  in  his  own 
language.  It  was  unintelligible  to  Hilton,  whose 
knowledge  of  Hindustani  was  very  limited.  But 
even  he,  guileless,  as  he  was,  noticed  that  the  way 
the  man  answered  Mrs  Ross  angered  her.  This  was 
what  passed  between  the  two  : 

"  I  thought  Mrs  Ross  would  contrive  to  pay  the 
poor  water-carrier  a  visit,"  said  the  man,  with  a 
covert  sneer. 

"  Why  are  you  here,  Azimoolah  ?  " 

"The  mem-sahib  can  herself  answer  that  question. 
Was  I  not  brought  here  by  her  countrymen  ?  " 

"  But  you  were  near  Lucknow.  Didn't  you 
promise  me  you'd  never  visit  the  city,  and  didn't 
I  pay  you  well  for  that  promise  ?  " 

"  Oh  yes,  five  years  ago.  But  the  Azimoolah  who 
was  Captain  Hawke's  servant  then  is  not  the  Azi- 
moolah of  to-day.  Don't  you  know  that  since  that 


I    thought    Mrs.   Ross  would  contrive  to  pay  the  poor 
water-carrier    a    visit,"    said  the   man,   with    a    covert 


sneer. 


THE   GREEN-EYED   MONSTER     117 

time  I've  gained  power,  wealth — that  the  Nana 
himself  is  but  a  puppet  in  my  hands  ?  Have  I  not 
been  across  the  black  water  to  England  ?  Ay,  and 
the  bright  eyes  of  English  ladies,  as  fair  as  the  mem- 
sahib  herself,  have  brightened  at  my  coming." 

Mrs  Ross  had  heard  nothing  of  this.  It  seemed 
incredible. 

"  It's  a  lie,"  she  exclaimed  angrily. 

"It's  the  truth;  but  I  trust  to  Mrs  Ross  to  keep 
my  secret.  It  will  be  good  for  her  own  sake  to  do 
so.  I  know  Captain  Hawke  is  here,  and  he  will 
recognise  me  if  you  betray  me.  What  shall  I  say 
then  ?  That  you  bribed  me  to  forge  his  handwriting  ? 
That  you  paid  me  to  write  scandalous  letters  to  Mr 
Holcombe  ?  That  you  again  paid  me  to  post  them, 
and  swear  that  I  did  so  by  the  order  of  Captain 
Hawke?" 

Hot  and  stifling  as  the  room  was,  the  woman 
shivered. 

All  the  blood  in  her  body  seemed  to  rush  to  her 
heart.  Yet  it  was  necessary  to  master  her  feelings. 
Was  not  this  young  Englishman  standing  close  by 
and  watching  them  ?  He  might  be  suspicious  though 
he  did  not  understand  a  word  they  said. 

"  You  won't  do  that,  Azimoolah,"  she  forced  herself 
to  reply  as  calmly  as  she  could.  "  I've  never  injured 
you,  and  I  paid  you  well  for  all  you  did  for  me." 

"  Oh,  that's  nothing.  I  act  to  please  myself,  and 
bad  things  are  more  pleasant  than  good.  You're 
like  that,  too.  The  blood  of  our  race  runs  in  your 
veins.  You  loved  Captain  Hawke  with  your  whole 
being,  and  yet  you  struck  him  a  fatal  blow." 

It  was  too  true.  Bitterly  had  Edith  Ross  regretted 
the  mad  fit  of  spite  and  revenge  which  had  prompted 


u8  LOVE   BESIEGED 

her  to  injure  the  man  she  loved — an  injury  which 
could  only  be  atoned  by  the  exposure  of  her  own 
wickedness. 

"  What's  the  fellow  saying,  Mrs  Ross  ?  If  he's  inso- 
lent, I  hope  you'll  tell  me,"  suddenly  struck  in  Hilton. 

"Nothing,  nothing,"  she  replied  hurriedly.  "He's 
not  rude.  It's  only  his  way  of  speaking." 

"Yes,"  resumed  Azimoolah,  "it's  true  I've  been 
to  England.  If  you  don't  believe  me,  bring  me 
face  to  face  with  the  girl  who  was  standing  by  your 
side  when  we  were  brought  in.  She  did  not 
recognise  me  in  my  disguise,  but  I  knew  her  again. 
She  is  very  handsome — as  handsome  as  you,  Mrs 
Ross — and  younger.  Would  you  like  me  to  tell  her 
the  story  of  Captain  Hawke,  and  how  he  was  ruined 
by  the  woman  who  loved  him  ?  " 

"  Great  heavens,  no,"  she  cried,  her  agitation 
overpowering  her  for  a  moment.  "  Azimoolah,  you 
shall  be  released.  I'll  say  that  I  knew  you  years 
ago,  as  an  honest,  respectable  man." 

"Aha!"  laughed  the  Mohammedan,  "they  think 
I  am  a  spy,  and  they  are  right,  liyou  vouch  for  my 
character  they  may  let  me  go.  But  if  I  meet 
Captain  Hawke,  what  then  ?  " 

"  There's  not  much  fear  of  that  if  you're  released 
within  twenty-four  hours.  He's  in  the  hospital. 
Remember,  you  must  leave  Lucknow  at  once." 

"  Yes,  I  agree  to  that." 

"Then  it's  a  compact?" 

"  I  swear  it— by  Allah  !  " 

"  I've  seen  enough,  Mr  Hilton,"  said  she,  turning 
to  the  young  officer.  "  Thank  you  very  much." 

"That  fellow  had  a  tremendous  jaw,"  said  Hilton, 
a  little  discontentedly. 


THE   GREEN-EYED   MONSTER     119 

He  had  never  seen  Mrs  Ross  so  animated ;  and 
though  it  was  absurd  to  be  jealous  of  a  prisoner — 
a  common  water-carrier — something  like  the  pangs 
of  jealousy  shot  through  him. 

"  Well,  he  interested  me  a  little,  because  it  turns 
out  my  father  used  to  employ  him.  Directly  he 
reminded  me  of  two  or  three  things,  I  recollected 
him  at  once.  He's  a  very  respectable  man,  and 
I  can't  understand  his  being  suspected  as  a  spy. 
You  must  take  me  at  once  to  Colonel  Inglis." 

"At  once?"  faltered  Hilton. 

"At  once,  please,"  said  Mrs  Ross,  peremptorily. 
"Oh,  you  needn't  be  afraid  of  my  getting  you  into 
trouble." 

"  I  don't  mind  that  a  bit,"  said  the  young  man 
gruffly.  "  If  it  is  for  your  sake." 

"  Don't  talk  nonsense  !  I  suppose  you  want  to 
rise  in  your  profession.  I  shall  simply  say  I  saw 
the  man  as  he  was  being  taken  to  the  Baillie  Guard, 
and  recognised  him." 

All  Mrs  Ross's  sweetness  had  disappeared.  But 
her  influence  over  the  ingenuous  lad  was  not  lessened. 
She  was  taken  to  Colonel  Inglis,  and  so  impressed 
him  with  the  innocence  of  the  supposed  water- 
carrier — whose  name  she  did  not  say  was  Azimoolah. 
Khan — that  the  man,  after  being  examined  the  next 
day,  was  ordered  to  be  released  before  sunset. 

But  she  was  in  a  fever  of  anxiety  until  this  became 
an  accomplished  fact.  She  ascertained  that  Azi- 
moolah would  be  marched  to  the  iron  bridge  across 
the  Gumti.  Here  she  waited  for  and  joined  him 
when  the  guard  had  crossed  the  bridge. 

"  I've  kept  my  word,  Azimoolah.  You  owe  me 
something  in  return,"  she  whispered. 


120  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"  What  shall  it  be  ?  " 

"  You  said  you  had  met  in  England  the  girl  who 
was  standing  by  my  side  when  you  were  brought 
into  the  city.  Tell  me  her  name." 

No  one  was  by,  and  they  were  talking  in  English, 
which  Azimoolah  spoke  with  a  perfect  accent.  He 
smiled. 

"  Jean  Atherton,"  said  he. 

"  How  did  you  meet  her  ?  When  and  where  was 
it  ?"  she  cried  excitedly. 

Azimoolah  explained. 

"  And  you  can  prove  this  ?  " 

"  I  have  letters  in  which  her  name  is  mentioned." 

"  Let  me  have  them.  That's  what  I  ask  in  return 
for  the  service  I've  done  you  to-day." 

"  I  promise." 

"When?" 

"Within  two  weeks." 

He  salaamed.  Some  people  were  approaching. 
They  parted. 


CHAPTER  VIII 

IN  THE  RESIDENCY  GARDEN 

AFTER  her  interview  with  Azimoolah  Edith  Ross 
hurried  back  to  the  Residency.  She  had  done  a 
daring  thing  in  venturing  out  alone  the  distance  of 
nearly  a  mile.  Rebellion  was  seething  unseen  in  the 
city,  and  the  revolt  of  the  military  police  the  day 
before  was  but  an  ebullition  of  the  hidden  ferment. 
An  upheaval  was  within  measurable  distance. 

Edith  Ross,  like  hundreds  of  other  Anglo- Indians, 
never  thought  of  this.  She  lived  in  a  state  of  false 
security.  The  fact  that  Azimoolah  Khan  was  in 
Lucknow  as  a  spy  did  not  come  upon  her  with  any 
significance.  Spies  had  abounded  in  India  from  time 
immemorial.  They  were  indigenous  to  the  soil. 
What  was  one  spy  in  Lucknow,  more  or  less  ? 

Had  she  disclosed  to  Colonel  Inglis  the  identity  of 
this  man,  the  horrors  of  Cawnpore  might  have  been 
averted.  But  she  had  not  the  gift  of  second  sight, 
neither  did  she  know  Azimoolah's  real  character. 
She  remembered  him  only  as  Jack  Hawke's  servant, 
and  as  a  man  admirably  adapted  to  carry  out  her 
scheme  of  passionate  revenge.  She  knew  nothing  of 
his  altered  position,  of  his  visit  to  England  on  behalf 
of  the  Nana,  of  his  being  really  the  master  spirit 
of  the  mutiny,  not  only  in  Meerut  but  in  Cawnpore. 

How  could  she  tell  that  his  visit  to  Lucknow  in 
disguise  was  really  to  ascertain  the  state  of  affairs 
121 


122  LOVE   BESIEGED 

there  and  to  find  out  for  himself  whether  Sir  Henry 
Lawrence  was  in  a  position  to  send  assistance  to  Sir 
Hugh  Wheeler? 

There  is  little  doubt  that  Azimoolah's  hand  stirred 
up  the  military  police  to  revolt.  When  these  men 
went  off  to  join  the  mutineers,  Sir  Henry  became 
convinced  that  he  would  have  enough  to  do  to  hold 
his  own.  The  police  fled  on  the  I2th  of  June,  and 
on  the  i6th  Sir  Henry  sent  a  letter  to  Sir  Hugh 
Wheeler  in  reply  to  the  beleaguered  general's  earnest 
appeals  for  help. 

"  I  am  very  sorry,  indeed,  to  hear  of  your  condition," 
wrote  Sir  Henry  Lawrence,  "  and  grieve  that  I  cannot 
help  you.  I  have  consulted  with  the  chief  officers 
about  me,  and  except  Gubbins,  they  are  unanimous 
in  thinking  that,  with  the  enemy's  command  of  the 
river,  we  could  not  possibly  get  a  single  man  into 
your  entrenchments.  I  need  not  say  that  I  deeply 
lament  being  obliged  to  concur  in  this  opinion,  for 
our  safety  is  as  nearly  concerned  as  yours.  We  are 
strong  in  our  entrenchments,  but  to  attempt  the 
passage  of  a  river  should  be  sacrificing  a  large 
detachment  without  a  prospect  of  helping  you." 

And  without  a  doubt,  Sir  Henry  was  right.  In  all 
probability  Azimoolah  satisfied  himself  that  Sir 
Henry  was  powerless  to  assist  Sir  Hugh  Wheeler. 
What  he  saw  in  Lucknow  determined  him  to  hurry 
on  with  the  bombardment  of  the  Cawnpore 
entrenchments.  There  could  be  but  one  end  to  the 
siege. 

Edith  Ross  went  back  to  the  Residency  like  one 
who  had  been  relieved  of  the  burden  of  a  millstone. 
Of  all  contingencies,  the  last  she  reckoned  upon  was 
meeting  with  Azimcolah.  But  she  was  now  safe 


IN   THE   RESIDENCY   GARDEN     123 

and  free  to  further  her  scheme  as  to  Dr  Lennard  and 
Jean. 

"  I've  no  ill-will  against  the  girl,"  she  comforted 
herself  by  saying,  "  unless  she  comes  in  my  path.  If 
she  does  she'll  have  no  mercy  from  me.  It  may  be," 
she  added — and  her  eyes  shone  with  a  light  not  often 
seen  in  them,  it  almost  suggested  tenderness — "if 
Jack  is  once  convinced  he  can't  get  her,  he'll  turn  to 
me.  Time  was  when  he  would  do  anything  I  asked. 
But  in  those  days  I  had  a  dozen  men  at  my  feet,  and 
Jack  was  no  more  to  me  than  any  of  the  others.  So 
I  used  to  think  then — I  know  differently  now." 

Hawke  was  only  detained  in  the  hospital  two  days, 
in  one  way  far  too  long  for  his  impatient  spirit. 
But  after  the  first  day  there  was  no  inducement  to 
remain,  for  Dr  Macpherson  ordered  Jean  to  another 
patient.  "  Ye  ken  enough  about  cold  bandages,  lassie," 
said  he  grimly.  When  she  was  gone  the  place  became 
hateful  to  Hawke.  Macpherson  released  him  with 
some  misgiving. 

"That  sunstroke  has  done  ye  nae  good,  my  lad," 
said  the  old  doctor  to  himself,  with  a  shake  of  his 
head. 

A  week  passed  away,  and  no  change  took  place. 
The  city  was  quiet,  but  Sir  Henry  Lawrence  never 
relaxed  his  efforts  towards  strengthening  the  Resi_ 
dency.  He  knew  this  was  destined  to  be  his  strong- 
hold. 

The  Residency  with  its  adjacent  buildings  was  to 
the  west  of  the  city,  and  not  quite  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
south  of  the  river  Gumti.  The  iron  bridge  was  well 
within  half-a-mile  of  its  western  extremity,  the  stone 
bridge  was  a  little  more  than  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
still  farther  west.  These  were  the  only  bridges  the 


i24  LOVE   BESIEGED 

city  possessed.  They  led  to  the  British  cantonments, 
to  the  north  side  of  the  river,  where  the  first  signs  of 
the  mutiny  were  seen. 

The  entrenchments  surrounding  the  main  buildings 
were  in  the  form  of  an  irregular  pentagon.  Many 
houses  were  within  these  entrenchments,  and  all 
were  carefully  loopholed  in  every  direction.  Where 
there  were  exposed  verandahs  overlooking  the  exterior 
wall  towards  the  street,  these  verandahs  were  walled 
up  with  mud  from  two  to  three  feet  thick.  Thus 
they  were  protected  from  any  attempt  at  storming. 

In  some  cases,  where  it  was  practicable,  a  sort  of 
scaffolding  was  built  upon  the  roof,  so  as  to  enable 
the  defenders  to  fire  from  a  more  elevated  position. 
Other  roofs  were  surrounded  by  low  earth  walls 
covered  with  sandbags. 

Mr  Martin  Gubbins,  the  commissioner,  a  man  of 
wonderful  energy,  was  untiring.  He  erected  at  his 
own  expense  a  half-moon  battery,  mounting  a  nine- 
pounder,  which  could  play  on  three  different  points. 
Another  house  was  defended  by  a  deep  ditch  and  a 
cactus  hedge,  and  fortified  by  a  couple  of  guns. 

The  church,  a  gothic  building,  with  twenty  low 
pinnacles,  was  converted  into  a  storehouse  for  grain. 
At  the  gate  to  the  east  was  a  mortar  battery, 
destined  to  shell  the  whole  of  the  western  and 
northern  buildings  outside  the  entrenchments  as  far 
as  the  iron  and  stone  bridges. 

The  victims  of  the  outbreak  in  the  cantonments 
were  the  first  who  were  buried  in  the  church.  It  had 
not  before  been  used  as  a  place  of  interment.  It 
was  soon  destined  to  be  filled  with  the  bodies  of 
the  gallant  defenders  of  the  Lucknow  garrison. 

The  strongest  piece  of  fortification  work  was  the 


IN   THE   RESIDENCY   GARDEN     125 

redan,  erected  by  Captain  Fulton,  an  engineer  of 
great  capacity.  The  whole  of  the  riverside  and  the 
buildings  on  the  opposite  banks  could  be  played 
upon  by  the  cannon  Fulton  planted  here.  In  the 
event  of  an  attack  both  the  north  and  east,  as  well 
as  the  west  sides,  could  be  swept  with  grape  from 
the  redan. 

Along  the  redan,  to  the  north,  in  an  irregular  line 
extending  to  the  hospital,  was  a  wall  of  fascines  and 
of  earthwork,  above  which  and  through  whose  loop- 
holes formed  by  sandbags  the  men  were  able  to  fire 
with  certain  effect.  The  Baillie  Guard  was  in  an 
isolated  position,  and  practically  outside  the  bound- 
aries of  the  Residency  entrenchments. 

The  Baillie  Guard  Gate  to  the  right  was  lofty,  and 
a  fine  piece  of  architecture.  The  gate  was  to  be 
blocked  up  with  earth,  and  in  the  event  of  an 
entrance  being  forced.two  nine-pounders  and  an  eight- 
inch  howitzer  could  between  them  shower  grape  and 
canister  upon  the  assailants. 

The  post-office  was  one  of  the  most  important 
positions.  It  commanded  a  large  area  in  different 
directions.  It  was  made  the  barrack-room  of  a  great 
portion  of  the  soldiers.  It  was  besides  the  head- 
quarters of  the  engineers,  and  offered  accommodation 
to  several  families. 

There  were  also  other  buildings,  some  of  them 
inside  the  boundaries,  and  others  on  the  borders,  and 
used  as  outposts.  Here  many  of  the  most  stubborn 
fights  occurred,  and  hundreds  of  sepoys  paid  for  their 
temerity  with  their  lives.  Through  the  enclosed 
space  ran  various  roads  and  lanes,  most  of  them  very 
narrow,  and  all  destined  to  be  scenes  of  fierce 
combat. 


126  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Sir  Henry  Lawrence's  quarters  were  in  the  Resi- 
dency itself,  in  a  room  convenient  from  its  elevated 
position  for  observing  the  enemy,  but  unduly  exposed. 
Had  he  regarded  his  own  safety,  he  would  have 
chosen  any  room  but  this. 

As  the  days  went  on  the  feeling  of  disquietude 
which  was  always  present  in  a  greater  or  less  degree 
deepened.  No  news  had  come  from  Cawnpore,  and 
upon  Cawnpore  everything  depended. 

Sir  Henry  Lawrence,  writing  to  Lord  Canning  on 
the  23rd  of  June,  said  :  "  If  Cawnpore  holds  out,  I 
doubt  if  we  shall  be  besieged  at  all." 

But  five  days  later  came  the  terrible  news.  Cawn- 
pore had  fallen,  and  its  brave  garrison  had  been 
butchered. 

A  thrill  of  horror  went  through  the  little  commun- 
ity. Never  before  had  the  savagery  of  the  mutiny 
seemed  so  real  to  them.  Never  had  it  touched  them 
so  nearly.  Cawnpore  was  not  so  many  miles  from 
Lucknow.  Until  the  mutineers  closed  the  roads, 
communication  between  the  two  places  was  ready 
and  frequent.  Members  of  the  same  families  were 
in  both,  and  the  friendships  were  many. 

Yet,  amid  the  thousand  and  one  rumours  which 
spread  with  lightning  rapidity,  in  spite  of  the  appre- 
hensions as  to  the  approach  of  danger,  love,  hatred, 
jealousy,  revenge,  went  on  apace.  The  moment  for 
the  merging  of  purely  personal  feelings  into  one 
common  emotion  had  not  arrived. 

Jack  Hawke's  fierce  unreasoning  love  for  Jean 
became  more  intense  day  by  day.  For  all  that  he 
was  careful  to  avoid  her.  He  busied  himself  in  work 
which  took  him  to  a  distant  part  of  the  Residency 
and  only  saw  her  at  a  distance. 


IN   THE   RESIDENCY   GARDEN     127 

Edith  Ross  was  not  deceived  by  this  apparent 
indifference.  She  knew  Hawke  thoroughly.  He 
was  a  man  who  could  by  a  strong  effort  of  will 
abstain  from  anything  towards  which  his  passions  or 
inclinations  led  him  ;  but  the  self-imposed  barrier 
once  broken,  he  knew  no  bounds.  It  was  so  with 
gambling,  so  with  betting,  and  so  with  drinking. 

"  I  shall  leave  Jack  alone  for  a  while,"  said  Mrs 
Ross  to  herself.  "  I  gain  nothing  by  irritating  him. 
Why  doesn't  Ernest  Lennard  make  the  running  with 
Jean  now  he  has  the  chance?  I  hate  your  scientific 
men.  They're  so  slow  in  making  up  their  minds. 
They  must  be  sure  of  everything  before  they  stir 
a  step." 

This  was  not  quite  true  of  Lennard.  He  had  made 
up  his  mind  that  he  loved  Jean  Atherton.  The  doubt 
was  what  her  answer  would  be  if  he  declared  himself. 

Mrs  Ross  never  lost  an  opportunity  of  dropping 
hints  to  Lennard  as  to  what  she  pretended  she  knew 
about  Jean's  feelings  towards  him.  Jean  herself 
always  appeared  pleased  when  he  approached  her, 
and  her  father  was  certainly  in  his  favour.  Mr 
Atherton  was  both  a  shrewd  and  blunt  man  and  he 
never  beat  about  the  bush. 

"  You  needn't  be  unnecessarily  reticent  about  the 
matter,  Lennard,"  said  he  with  a  smile.  "  I've  seen  for 
some  time  past  how  your  thoughts  have  been  tend- 
ing. Let  me  say  at  once  there  is  no  man  to  whom 
I  would  more  gladly  see  my  dear  girl  married  than 
yourself." 

"  How  good  of  you  to  say  that,"  cried  Lennard,  his 
pale  face  flushing.  "I  admit  that  I  admire — well, 
admire  is  too  cold  a  word — let  me  say  plainly  that  I 
love  Jean  ;  but " 


128  LOVE  BESIEGED 

"  Well,  where  does  the  '  but '  come  in  ? "  said 
Mr  Atherton,  seeing  that  he  hesitated. 

"  I  fear  she  doesn't  care  sufficiently  for  me.  There 
may  be  some  prior  attachment — somebody  in  Eng- 
land perhaps." 

"  Don't  you  worry,  doctor.  It  wouldn't  amount  to 
more  than  a  mere  flirtation — a  boy  and  girl  affair. 
Girls  of  her  age  are  not  in  the  same  mood  two  weeks 
together.  Besides  the  present  lover  has  always  the 
advantage  over  the  absent  one.  It's  his  own  fault  if 
he  doesn't  make  full  use  of  his  opportunity.  And 
especially  now,  Lennard,"  continued  Atherton,  his 
voice  suddenly  becoming  very  grave.  "  We're  on  the 
eve  of  a  terrible  crisis.  Do  you  know  what  news  Sir 
Henry  received  this  morning  ?  " 

"No;  I've  been  in  the  hospital  all  day,  and  have 
heard  nothing." 

"The  rebels  are  massing  from  all  quarters  at 
Nawabgunge,  only  twenty  miles  away.  This  morning 
a  spy  came  into  the  Residency  with  the  intelligence 
that  an  advance  guard  of  500  infantry  and  100  horse 
had  arrived  at  Chinhut  on  the  Fyzabad  road,  to 
collect  supplies  for  a  main  body,  who  are  to  follow. 
Chinhut,  as  you  know,  is  but  eight  miles  away. 
Twenty  of  our  cavalry — the  best  we  could  muster, 
and  that  isn't  saying  very  much — went  out  at  once  to 
reconnoitre,  but  were  unable  to  do  so.  The  cunning 
rascals  posted  pickets,  and  these  were  in  too  strong 
a  force  to  allow  our  men  to  pass.  They  came  back 
without  learning  anything." 

"What's  going  to  be  done?"  returned  Lennard, 
with  an  anxious  face. 

"  Sir  Henry  will  attack  the  enemy  in  force  to- 
morrow morning.  He  hopes  to  smash  up  the  advance 


IN   THE   RESIDENCY   GARDEN       129 

guard  before  the  reinforcements  reach  it.  I'm  very 
doubtful  as  to  the  result.  The  fall  of  Cawnpore  has 
released  a  few  thousands  of  the  devils,  and  my  opinion 
is  that  the  enemy  is  much  stronger  than  Sir  Henry 
imagines.  It  will  be  an  awful  business  if  we're 
defeated.  You  may  depend  upon  it,  the  Residency 
will  be  at  once  attacked,  and  well,  it  may  be  Cawnpore 
over  again." 

Atherton  paused  a  moment  and  went  on  in  lower 
and  more  earnest  tones. 

"  Lennard,  this  is  a  queer  time,  isn't  it,  to  talk  of 
marriage  and  giving  in  marriage,  and  what  I'm  going 
to  say  is  for  your  sake  and  for  the  sake  of  my 
daughter  whom  I  dearly  love.  At  any  moment  I  may 
be  taken  away — there  are  no  non-combatants  now ; 
even  you  surgeons  may  have  to  fight,  though  heaven 
knows  you'll  have  plenty  of  work  in  the  hospital — and 
it  would  be  some  slight  comfort  to  me  in  my  final 
hour  to  know  that  my  girl  had  a  husband  who  would 
guard  her  to  the  last  drop  of  his  blood." 

"  By  heaven,  Atherton,  you  speak  the  truth  there," 
cried  Lennard,  his  eyes  flashing. 

"  Very  well.  Then  lose  no  time.  You  know  my 
ideas.  I  leave  the  rest  to  you.  Go  at  once  to 
Jean." 

Lennard  went  out  in  a  tumult  of  feeling.  He 
would  not  give  himself  time  to  think.  It  was  not  a 
moment  for  doubts,  subtleties  of  thought  and  analysis 
of  emotions.  One  lurking  suspicion  had  indeed  been 
removed,  at  least  so  he  thought.  Jean,  while  pitying 
Hawke,  did  not  love  him.  So  much  he  had  learned 
in  his  conversations  with  her.  Nor  had  Hawke  forced 
himself  in  any  way  upon  her. 

With  hope  thrilling  in  every  nerve,  he  hastened 
i 


1 3o  LOVE   BESIEGED 

towards  the  quarter  of  the  building  which  had  been 
assigned  to  the  ladies. 

As  a  doctor  here,  there,  and  everywhere,  at  every- 
body's beck  and  call,  Lennard  was  known  by  sight  to 
every  lady  in  the  Residency  and  to  a  large  number 
by  professional  service ;  and  there  were  few  indeed 
among  the  children  who  did  not  know  him  and 
look  upon  him  with  that  reverence  and  awe  with 
which  children  commonly  regard  men  in  his  profession. 
He  had  therefore  no  difficulty  in  finding  a  messenger 
to  carry  a  note  to  Jean,  to  ask  her  for  an  early  inter- 
view. When  he  reached  the  ladies'  quarters,  he 
commandeered  a  sometime  patient  of  nine  or  ten 
years  of  age  to  carry  his  note  to  Miss  Atherton  and 
to  bring  him  her  reply.  The  girl,  glad  to  do  the  doctor 
a  service  and  pleased  to  win  a  smile  from  Jean,  whom 
everybody  loved,  carried  the  note  to  her  and  delivered 
it  with  more  exactness  than  necessary,  saying  that  she 
had  brought  it  from  the  doctor,  who  waited  her 
reply. 

Several  ladies  heard  the  child's  remarks  as  she 
delivered  the  note,  and  one  of  them,  whose  eyes  lit  up 
with  an  unusual  interest,  rose  and  left  the  room.  As 
the  child  returned  with  Jean's  answer,  she  met  the 
lady,  who  induced  the  child  to  let  her  look  at  the 
scribbled  note  she  carried,  from  which  Mrs  Ross 
learned  that  Jean  Atherton  had  promised  to  meet 
Ernest  Lennard  by  the  fountain  in  the  Residency 
garden  in  a  quarter  of  an  hour. 

Having  secured  this  important  secret,  she  hastened 
with  all  speed  to  make  the  best  possible  use  of  it  for 
her  own  purposes,  and  immediately  set  out  for  the 
redan. 

Here  she  knew  she  would  find  Hawke.    She  met 


IN   THE   RESIDENCY   GARDEN      131 

him  half  way.  He  was  leading  a  horse,  and  he 
scarcely  noticed  her.  She  went  up  to  him. 

"Jack!"  said  she. 

He  turned  abruptly. 

"  Don't  hinder  me.     I'm  in  a  hurry." 

"You've  need  to  be,"  she  replied  with  emphasis, 
"  if  you  don't  want  to  lose  Jean  Atherton." 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?  "  he  asked  fiercely. 

"  I  suppose  you  thought  you  were  the  only  man 
likely  to  take  her  girlish  fancy,  and  that  you'd  but 
to  look  at  her  and  she  would  wait  your  highness's 
pleasure.  That's  how  it  used  to  be  in  the  old  days. 
You  haven't  altered  much,  Jack,  but  circumstances 
have — worse  luck  for  you." 

He  seized  her  wrist,  twisted  her  round,  and  glared 
into  her  face. 

"  You  haven't  sought  me  without  a  motive.  You 
never  do  anything  without  a  motive.  What  is  it 
now  ?  " 

Edith  Ross  knew  Jack  Hawke  well.  He  was  a 
man  who  required  a  strong  stimulant  before  his 
nature  was  roused. 

"  How  dull  you  are !  Can't  you  understand  that 
a  man  at  this  very  moment  is  making  love  to  Jean 
Atherton?  But  perhaps  you  don't  care  sufficiently 
about  her  for  this  to  affect  you." 

He  started.  The  blood  surged  to  his  face.  He 
allowed  the  rope  attached  to  the  horse's  head  to 
drop  from  his  hand. 

Hitherto  Hawke  had  been  living  in  a  delicious 
day-dream.  He  had  got  it  into  his  head  that  Jean 
was  perfectly  free,  and  he  resolved  to  wait  his  time. 
The  stigma  attached  to  his  name  was  the  stumbling- 
block.  He  knew  the  difficulty  of  explaining  away 


LOVE   BESIEGED 

his  past.  Even  if  he  could  do  so,  it  meant  going 
into  so  deep  a  confession  of  folly,  that  he  shrank 
from  the  task.  What  an  older  woman  would  readily 
understand  and  condone,  a  young  girl  would  look 
upon  with  repugnance. 

He  longed  to  do  some  daring  deed,  some 
stupendous  feat  of  heroism  which  would  blot  out 
all  that  he  had  done  in  the  past  and  all  that  was 
said  against  him  in  the  present.  Then,  when  all 
would  be  glad  to  shake  him  by  the  hand,  he  would 
go  boldly  to  Jean  and  ask  her  for  her  love. 

This  was  his  dream.  Mrs  Ross  had  rudely  shaken 
him  out  of  it.  The  possibility  of  another  man 
carrying  Jean  off  before  his  eyes  had  never  occurred 
to  him.  It  roused  every  drop  of  hot  blood  in  his 
body. 

"  Have  you  anything  else  to  say  ? "  he  cried 
hoarsely. 

"  I  see  you  don't  believe  me,"  said  Mrs  Ross. 
"It's  easy  to  satisfy  you  that  I  speak  the  truth. 
Come  with  me." 

He  hesitated  for  a  moment.  Edith  Ross  watched 
his  heavy  brows  lowering,  and  his  lips  tightening  till 
they  were  almost  white.  She  knew  she  had  gained 
the  day. 

"Where?" 

"  In  the  Residency  garden,  near  the  fountain/' 

He  wrenched  his  horse's  head  round  with  a  force 
which  must  have  hurt  the  animal's  mouth,  tied  him 
to  a  palisading,  and  with  a  look  of  midnight  on  his 
handsome  face,  followed  the  temptress. 

The  Residency  garden,  once  so  trim  and  gay,  was 
now  a  scene  of  disorder.  Stores  in  boxes,  barrels 
and  bags  were  heaped  upon  the  flower-beds ;  shot 


IN   THE   RESIDENCY   GARDEN      133 

were  piled  up  on  the  lawn ;  bullock  carts,  tumbrils, 
artillery  waggons  crowded  the  paths.  Only  the  few 
flowers  near  the  fountain  beneath  a  large  tree  had 
been  spared.  In  some  places  the  stores  had  been 
so  heaped  up  in  sections  that  going  through  the 
narrow  gangways  was  like  threading  a  maze. 

The  sun  was  setting,  and  they  could  easily  ap- 
proach the  fountain  without  being  seen  by  the  two 
who  were  already  there. 

"Come  nearer,"  whispered  Edith  Ross,  "you  can 
hear  what  they  are  saying." 

"Who's  the  fellow?  "  was  Hawke's  fierce  answer. 

"  Don't  you  know  ?     Ernest  Lennard  1 " 

His  friend  1  The  man  who  had  stuck  to  him 
through  evil  report,  who  had  defended  him  when  all 
seemed  black. 

"  I'll  not  go  a  step  farther,"  he  muttered  in  a 
choking  voice.  "  Lennard,  at  least,  is  worthy  of  her 
—more  worthy  than  I  am.  Why  did  you  bring  me 
here,  Edith?" 

A  gleam  of  triumph  lit  up  the  woman's  dark  eyes. 
It  was  the  first  time  he  had  called  her  Edith  since 
his  return  to  Lucknow.  Was  this  a  sign  of  her 
returning  power? 

He  was  destined  to  hear,  whether  he  would  or 
not. 

The  two  figures  who  had  been  talking  so  earnestly, 
moved  from  the  fountain,  and  came  slowly  in 
Hawke's  direction.  To  move  would  mean  discovery. 
Mrs  Ross's  fingers  closed  swiftly  round  his  arm,  as 
a  sign  for  him  to  remain  quiet. 

Lennard  did  not  look  like  a  man  who  had  proposed 
and  had  been  accepted.  He  was  very  pale.  There 
was  no  joy  in  his  eyes.  Jean  was  walking  by  his 


134  LOVE   BESIEGED 

side,  not  close  to  him,  as  she  would  have  been  had 
things  gone  smoothly.  Her  eyes  were  bent  on  the 
ground.  Her  lips  seemed  to  tremble.  Neither 
spoke. 

"You'll  forgive  me,  Dr  Lennard,  won't  you?"  at 
last  they  heard  her  say,  and  she  spoke  with  evident 
effort. 

"What  have  I  to  forgive,  Miss  Atherton?  I 
staked  and  lost,  that's  all.  Many  men  have  done 
the  same  thing,"  was  his  answer.  And  he  drew  a 
long  breath. 

"  I'm  so  sorry,"  she  went  on  pityingly.  "  I — I  do 
like  you  very  much ;  but  you  see  how  it  is,  don't 
you?" 

"  Yes,  yes,  say  no  more.  I'm  glad  you've  told  me. 
It's  better  always  to  find  out  the  truth.  It's  saved 
me  much  future  pain,  because  had  I  not  known 
what  I  now  know  I  might  have  come  to  love  you 

so  much  that "  Then  he  checked  himself,  and 

cried : 

"  What's  the  good  speculating  as  to  what  might 
be?  I've  done  too  much  already  of  that,  I'm  afraid." 

"  But  we  shall  still  be  friends  ? "  she  urged. 

The  vibration  of  feeling  in  his  voice  had  brought 
tears  to  her  eyes.  She  knew  that  her  refusal  had  in- 
flicted the  sharpest  pain  a  man  can  feel,  and  it  went 
to  her  heart  to  tell  him  she  could  never  become  his 
wife. 

"  I  hope  so.  What  has  happened  can  make  no 
difference  in  my  regard  for  you.  May  I  see  you  to 
the  Residency  ? " 

She  bowed  her  head,  and  slipped  her  little  hand 
within  his  arm  as  a  token  he  had  not  offended  her. 
They  went  slowly  off  together. 


IN   THE   RESIDENCY   GARDEN      135 

The  man  and  woman  left  behind  exchanged  a 
glance.  The  eyes  of  the  former  had  in  them  a 
savage  joy.  The  eyes  of  the  latter  were  dull  with 
disappointment  and  baffled  spite. 

"  I  never  thought  to  thank  you  for  bringing  me 
here,"  he  exclaimed, "  but  I  do.  Poor  beggar !  How 
nicely  and  considerately  she  refused  him !  Perhaps 
you'll  say  she'll  refuse  me  when  my  turn  comes  to 
ask  her." 

"  Yes,"  said  Mrs  Ross,  in  a  voice  trembling  with 
suppressed  passion.  "  Fool  that  you  are,  Jack 
Hawke  !  Can't  you  read  between  the  lines?  Didn't 
you  hear  sufficient  to  tell  you  that  the  girl  refused 
him,  not  because  she  could  not  love  him,  but  because 
she  loved  someone  else  better  ?  Are  you  the  one  she 
loves  ?  " 

"  Why  not  ?  "  returned  Hawke.  But  his  tone  was 
not  confident. 

"  Shall  I  find  out  for  you  ?  Nothing  is  easier. 
Take  my  advice,  Jack  Hawke.  Think  no  more  ol 
Jean  Atherton.  You're  not  the  man  to  take  punish- 
ment in  Dr  Lennard's  fashion." 

"That's  my  affair." 

And  with  a  reckless  laugh  and  at  tug  at  his 
moustache,  he  strode  off. 


CHAPTER   IX 

THE  FATAL  DAY  OF  CHINHUT 

HAWKE  returned  to  his  horse  with  a  strange  sense 
of  exhilaration.  He  knew  that  Ernest  Lennard  had 
proposed  to  Jean  Atherton  and  had  been  rejected. 
He  cared  to  know  nothing  more. 

He  was  going  into  battle  with  a  light  heart.  It 
was  the  29th  of  June.  Sir  Henry  Lawrence's  spies 
had  brought  word  that  the  main  body  of  the  enemy 
would  not  reach  Chinhut  until  the  evening  of  the 
3<Dth  ;  and  Sir  Henry  had  resolved  to  strike  a  decisive 
blow  before  the  reinforcements  arrived. 

His  determination  was  known  only  to  the  military 
officers.  Mr  Gubbins,  the  financial  commissioner, 
between  whom  and  Sir  Henry  there  was  a  slight 
estrangement,  was  not  aware  of  what  was  contem- 
plated. 

Hawke,  among  others,  had  received  his  orders ; 
and,  as  he  was  not  attached  to  any  particular  regiment, 
he  joined  the  Volunteer  Cavalry  under  Captain 
Radcliff.  When  Mrs  Ross  met  him  he  was  in  the  act 
of  leading  a  horse  to  the  stables  to  fit  him  with  a 
saddle  and  put  him  in  readiness  for  the  expedition. 

Meanwhile  the  whole  of  the  British  force  yet  re- 
maining in  the  cantonments  north  of  the  river 
Gumti  were  ordered  to  move  within  the  Residency, 
and  from  these  Sir  Henry  made  his  selection.  The 
little  army  was  composed  of  300  men  of  the  32nd 

136 


THE   FATAL   DAY   OF   CHINHUT     137 

regiment ;  230  men  of  the  Native  Infantry ;  a  small 
troop  of  Volunteer  Cavalry,  36 strong;  120  troopers 
of  the  Oudh  Irregulars,  ten  guns,  and  an  eight-inch 
howitzer. 

To  this  eight-inch  howitzer  a  fatal  interest  is 
attached.  All  that  need  be  said  about  it  now  is  that 
it  was  discovered  in  a  Lucknow  house  when  a  search 
was  made  for  arms  immediately  after  the  outbreak 
on  3Oth  May.  Of  the  ten  guns  just  mentioned,  six 
were  manned  by  natives,  and  four  only  by  Europeans. 
The  howitzer  was  on  a  limber  or  gun-carriage  drawn 
by  an  elephant.  Had  it  been  left  behind  the  greatest 
calamity  of  the  siege  might  have  been  prevented. 

The  order  was  that  the  force  should  assemble  at 
the  iron  bridge  at  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  3Oth. 
But  there  was  unavoidable  delay,  and  it  was  nearly 
six  o'clock  when  some  of  the  ladies  in  the  Residency 
were  awakened  by  the  tramp  of  men  and  horse,  the 
jingle  of  accoutrements,  the  rumble  of  the  gun- 
carriages,  and  the  shouts  of  the  native  drivers. 

Jean  was  one  of  the  first  to  be  aroused.  She  had 
not  slept  well.  Dr  Lennard's  proposal  had  troubled 
her. 

Directly  she  awoke  and  heard  the  noise  she  ran  to 
the  window.  Another  lady,  the  wife  of  a  dis- 
tinguished officer,  was  already  there. 

"  What  is  the  matter,  Mrs  Trafford  ?  "  she  asked 
anxiously. 

"I  can't  tell  you.  I  haven't  seen  my  husband 
since  nine  o'clock  last  night.  I  hope  it  doesn't 
mean  they  are  going  out  to  meet  the  rebels.  My 
dear,  I  have  had  a  terrible  dream  within  the  last  few 
hours." 

The  lady  shuddered  and  drew  closer  to  Jean,  as 


138  LOVE   BESIEGED 

though  the  mere  remembrance  made  her  instinctively 
seek  protection. 

"  You  don't  believe  in  dreams,  Mrs  Trafford,  do 
you  ? "  said  Jean. 

"  Of  course  not,  but — oh,  one  never  knows.  I 
dreamt  that  our  men  went  out  just  as  you  see  them 
doing  now,  and  that  we  were  defeated.  Ah,  there's 
my  husband !  I  wish  he  were  not  going." 

At  that  moment  Major  Trafford  of  the  32nd  rode 
by,  and  he  raised  his  cap  to  his  wife  and  to  Jean. 
The  latter  scarcely  saw  him,  for  immediately  after 
the  32nd  came  the  Volunteer  Cavalry  and  among  the 
latter  was  Hawke.  He  glanced  upwards  at  the 
Residency  windows,  and  a  triumphant  smile  irradi- 
ated his  face  when  he  recognised  Jean.  He,  too, 
raised  his  cap — with  a  bold,  masterful  air  Jean  had 
never  seen  in  him  before. 

It  was,  of  course,  quite  an  accident  which  led  Jean 
to  be  at  the  window,  and  she  never  anticipated 
seeing  Hawke.  He  went  away  with  his  impressions 
as  to  Jean's  feelings  towards  him  confirmed. 

"  She  loves  me !  "  he  muttered.     "  She  loves  me !  " 

No  man  set  out  for  the  fateful  field  of  Chinhut 
that  morning  with  a  lighter  heart  than  did  Jack 
Hawke.  He  was  in  the  humour  to  meet  the  enemy. 

Sir  Henry's  information  led  him  to  believe  that 
the  rebel  force  assembled  at  Chinhut,  but  eight  miles 
from  Lucknow  on  the  Fyzabad  road,  intended  to 
march  to  Lucknow  early  on  the  morning  of  the  3Oth. 
He  started,  in  the  hope  of  meeting  the  enemy  at  a 
disadvantage,  either  at  the  entrance  into  the  suburbs 
of  the  city  or  at  the  bridge  across  the  Kookrail — a 
small  stream  intersecting  the  Fyzabad  road  midway 
between  Chinhut  and  Lucknow. 


THE   FATAL   DAY   OF   CHINHUT     139 

Up  to  the  river  the  road  was  metalled  and  in  good 
order.  Beyond  was  a  newly-raised  embankment 
constructed  of  loose  and  sandy  soil,  in  which  every 
now  and  then  gaps  occurred  indicating  the  position 
of  projected  bridges. 

At  the  bridge  over  the  Kookrail  the  force  halted, 
and  here  Sir  Henry  proposed  to  await  the  coming  of 
the  enemy. 

All  in  front  was  clear,  so  far  as  could  be  seen. 
The  rebels,  apparently,  had  altered  their  mind. 

"  We're  on  a  fool's  errand  ! "  grumbled  Hawke. 
"  Look  here,  some  of  the  fellows  have  got  orders  to 
return." 

"Wait  a  moment,"  said  a  man  at  Hawke's  side. 
"  I  don't  think  so.  Sir  Henry  has  one  or  two  men 
with  him  who  are  not  the  fellows  to  go  back  without 
a  blow  at  the  enemy." 

"  Anyhow,  there's  the  assistant  adjutant-general 
speaking  to  Major  Trafford,  and  to  my  mind  it  looks 
like  a  march  back." 

Hawke  was  partly  right  and  partly  wrong. 

The  assistant  adjutant-general  had  indeed  arrived 
with  orders  from  Sir  Henry  for  the  force  to  return  to 
Lucknow,  but  other  opinions  were  at  work.  Sir 
Henry,  allowing  himself  to  be  persuaded  against  his 
own  judgment,  countermanded  the  order  to  return. 
The  little  army  crossed  the  bridge,  and  entered  upon 
the  irregular  ground  and  the  loose  soil. 

"  Where's  the  commissariat? "  growled  a  private  of 
the  32nd.  "  We've  'ad  the  sun  shining  full  in  our  faces 
for  the  last  two  hours,  and  I'm  as  dry  as  a  limekiln." 

"  Ay,"  said  his  right-hand  comrade.  "  There's 
plenty  of  rum  and  biscuits,  for  I  saw  'em  packed, 
and  there's  the  river  to  mix  wi'  the  rum." 


140  LOVE   BESIEGED 

All  this  was  perfectly  true.  But  by  an  oversight 
due  probably  to  the  uncertainty  of  opinion  whether 
to  advance  or  retreat,  nothing  was  served  out. 

The  little  army  advanced  in  regular  order.  An 
advance  guard  of  cavalry,  with  vedettes  thrown  out, 
led.  This  was  followed,  first,  by  the  eight-inch 
howitzer,  then  by  four  guns  manned  by  natives.  A 
hundred  and  fifty  men  of  the  I3th  Native  Infantry 
came  next,  with  two  guns  manned  by  natives.  The 
rear  was  brought  up  by  300  men  of  the  32nd  Foot 
and  the  remaining  native  troops,  80  in  number. 

No  enemy  was  seen.  In  view  of  what  happened 
afterwards  it  is  clear  that  the  messengers  who 
brought  information  to  Sir  Henry  grossly  deceived 
him.  The  British  force  marched  on  slowly  till  a 
long  line  of  mango-groves  came  in  sight.  Suddenly, 
when  the  advance  guard  was  about  a  thousand  yards 
from  this  grove,  a  heavy  artillery  fire  burst  from 
among  the  trees. 

Instantly  the  advancing  column  deployed  into  line. 
The  guns  were  run  forward  and  opened  fire ;  the 
infantry  threw  themselves  on  the  ground,  and  the 
shot  went  harmlessly  over  their  heads.  The  battle, 
thus  opened  with  a  duel  of  artillery,  seemed  to  lead 
to  nothing.  Our  officers  were  congratulating  them- 
selves on  an  easy  victory  when  all  at  once,  on  each 
side,  a  vast  host  of  sepoys  were  seen,  threatening 
the  British  force  on  both  flanks. 

The  bitter  truth  was  made  evident.  Instead  of 
having  to  engage  barely  a  thousand  men,  no  less 
than  seven  thousand  were  opposed  to  comparatively 
a  handful  of  British  troops. 

Chinhut  itself  was  a  large  village,  situated  on  a 
plain  on  the  very  banks  of  a  very  extensive  jheel  or 


THE   FATAL   DAY    OF   CHINHUT     141 

lake.  The  camp  of  the  enemy  lay  to  the  left  of 
Chinhut ;  the  village  of  Ishmaelgunge,  where  the 
action  was  really  fought,  to  the  left  of  the  road  by 
which  the  British  were  advancing. 

The  masses  of  rebel  cavalry,  infantry  and  artillery 
were  seen  advancing  to  the  right  and  left.  The 
British  commander  was  by  no  means  dismayed,  and 
the  howitzer  and  the  musketry  fire  of  the  infantry 
held  the  enemy  in  check  for  some  time. 

Then  came  an  unexpected  disaster.  Treachery 
was  at  work.  One  of  the  guns  served  by  the  native 
artillerymen  was  suddenly  drawn  to  the  side  of  the 
road. 

The  officer  in  command  ran  up  in  a  passion,  and 
demanded  to  know  what  the  rascals  were  doing. 
The  answer  was  given  by  a  gunner,  whose  sword  was 
uplifted  and  came  down  with  a  slash  on  one  of  the 
horses  attached  to  the  guns.  The  wounded  animal 
sprang  in  the  air,  and  the  next  moment  the  gun  was 
overturned  in  the  ditch.  The  rest  of  the  men  cut 
the  traces  and  fled  for  their  lives.  A  terrible  scene 
of  confusion  ensued. 

The  men  belonging  to  the  remaining  three  guns 
followed  the  example  of  their  traitorous  comrades. 
They  were  deaf  to  all  remonstrances.  Sir  Henry's 
staff  rode  up,  headed  by  the  brigadier-general, 
who  drew  his  sword  upon  the  rascals;  but  all  in 
vain. 

At  the  critical  moment  a  terrible  fire  opened  from 
the  village  of  Ishmaelgunge,  running  parallel  to  that 
part  of  our  line  occupied  by  the  32nd. 

The  fire  from  this  village  caught  the  regiment 
in  flank,  and  in  a  very  few  minutes  nearly  half  of 
the  little  force  with  a  large  proportion  of  its  officers, 


142  LOVE   BESIEGED 

including   the    commanding    officer,    Colonel    Case, 
were  lying  dead  or  disabled  on  the  ground. 

The  attack  paralysed  the  32nd.  Deprived  of 
their  officers,  the  men  threw  themselves  down  in  the 
shelter  of  a  small  undulation,  firing  at  the  enemy  as 
fast  as  they  could. 

In  the  face  of  the  overwhelming  numbers  surround- 
ing the  little  army,  there  was  but  one  thing  to  do — 
retreat.  The  order  was  given.  The  march  back 
began  under  circumstances  to  which  it  would  be 
difficult  to  find  a  parallel. 

Ill-luck  dogged  the  footsteps  of  the  British  that 
terrible  day.  The  howitzer,  to  which  reference  has 
already  been  made,  was  doomed  to  work  out  its 
sinister  destiny.  The  elephant  which  was  to  have 
carried  it  was  half  maddened  by  the  fire.  While  the 
gunners  were  striving  to  attach  the  ponderous  beast 
to  its  carriage,  a  bullet  struct  the  lieutenant  in  charge, 
and  the  howitzer  had  to  be  abandoned. 

Within  forty-eight  hours  it  was  in  action  again, 
but  alas,  not  on  our  side.  It  fell  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy,  and  from  it,  as  will  be  seen  later  on,  was 
fired  the  shot  which  killed  the  bravest  and  wisest 
of  the  many  gallant  leaders  who  gave  their  lives  for 
their  country  and  Queen  in  those  terrible  times. 

The  retreat  had  become  general,  when  Captain 
Bassano,  of  the  32nd  Foot,  who  had  been  searching 
for  Colonel  Case,  discovered  the  gallant  officer  lying 
wounded.  He  offered  to  bring  some  of  the  men 
back  to  carry  him  away. 

"  Leave  me  to  die  here,"  the  brave  fellow  gasped. 
"  I've  no  need  of  assistance.  Your  place  is  at  the 
head  of  your  company." 

Colonel  Case  was  last  seen  lying  on  the  roadside, 


THE   FATAL   DAY   OF   CHINHUT     143 

with  his  eyes  wide  open,  and  his  sword  firmly 
grasped,  in  the  midst  of  his  companions  in  arms. 

The  enemy,  by  this  time  in  rapid  pursuit,  were 
one  moving  mass  of  men.  Like  locusts  they 
swarmed  steadily  towards  the  British  force;  the 
light  puffs  of  smoke  floating  from  every  ravine  and 
bunch  of  grass  were  followed  by  the  spattering  of 
showers  of  bullets. 

As  a  rule  the  rebels  showed  little  discipline  in 
their  fighting,  but  that  day  was  an  exception.  They 
came  on  as  steadily  as  possible.  A  field  day  on 
parade  could  not  have  shown  better  order.  Their 
strength  was  in  their  numbers.  There  was  no  need 
to  hurry ;  they  knew  that  the  tiny  force  in  front  of 
them  was  without  supports. 

Despite  their  terrible  condition,  the  British  never 
drifted  into  confusion.  Many  of  the  sepoys  who 
remained  faithful  performed  acts  of  noble  self- 
sacrifice,  some  carrying  their  wounded  officers  on 
their  backs  for  very  long  distances.  But  for  this, 
scores  of  British  soldiers  must  have  died  of  their 
injuries,  for  there  were  no  dhoolies  (litters)  for  the 
wounded.  At  the  very  beginning  of  the  action 
several  of  the  bearers  were  killed.  The  rest  were 
instantly  seized  with  panic  and  fled. 

The  water-carriers  also  decamped.  The  European 
infantry  were  so  exhausted  by  thirst  and  fatigue  that 
they  could  scarcely  drag  themselves  along,  and  only 
did  so  by  the  aid  of  the  cavalry  volunteers,  each 
one  of  whom  was  encumbered  by  two,  three,  and  even 
four  foot-soldiers  holding  on  by  the  hand  of  the 
horseman,  or  by  his  stirrup,  or  by  the  crupper  or  tail 
of  his  horse. 

To  add  to  the  list   of  misfortunes,  many  of  the 


144  LOVE   BESIEGED 

muskets  belonging  to  the  men  of  the  32nd  were 
useless.  They  had  been  kept  loaded  long  without 
having  been  discharged,  and  had  become  foul. 

During  the  retreat  an  officer  shouted  to  a  private 
by  name,  and  ordered  him  to  turn  round  and  fire 
upon  the  enemy. 

"I'll  do  so  if  you  wish,"  growled  the  man,  "but 
what's  the  good  ?  I've  already  snapped  six  caps  and 
the  piece  won't  go  off." 

At  last  the  dispirited  and  sorely  harassed  men 
reached  the  Kookrail  bridge,  and  here  they  were 
face  to  face  with  a  new  disaster. 

The  road  in  front  was  seen  to  be  occupied  by 
a  dense  mass  of  rebel  cavalry,  who  had  worked  their 
way  round  unseen.  Annihilation  seemed  inevitable. 
Sir  Henry  never  wavered.  He  ordered  the  guns  to 
be  unlimbered,  and  they  were  pointed  in  readiness 
to  be  loaded  with  grape,  when  an  officer  rushed  up 
to  Sir  Henry  in  great  agitation. 

"  What  are  we  to  do,  Sir  Henry  ?  We've  no 
ammunition." 

"  Never  mind.     Light  the  port  fires  all  the  same." 

The  chiefs  nerve  and  decision  warded  off  rout 
and  slaughter.  The  enemy  believed  the  guns  were 
loaded  and  shrank  back.  They  had  not  the  pluck 
to  attempt  to  charge  at  a  bridge  defended  by 
cannon. 

"  Now's  our  time  to  show  what  we're  made  of," 
muttered  Hawke  to  his  next  man.  "Why  doesn't 
Radcliff  order  us  to  charge  ?" 

The  words  were  scarcely  out  of  his  mouth  before 
Radcliff  s  stentorian  voice  roared  out,  "  Threes  right. 
Trot."  The  gallant  little  troop  swept  out  of  the 
trees  at  the  side  of  the  road,  taking  no  heed  of  two 


THE   FATAL   DAY   OF   CHINHUT     145 

nine-pounders  which  immediately  opened  fire  upon 
them. 

"  Charge,"  shouted  Radcliff.  The  trumpet  sounded 
and  the  volunteers,  of  whom  some  had  never  seen 
fighting  before,  hurled  themselves  at  the  advancing 
native  cavalry.  Thirty-five  against  five  hundred, 
to  say  nothing  of  the  guns !  The  five  hundred  never 
waited  for  the  shock.  The  plucky  thirty-five  sabring 
all  within  reach,  wheeled  round  and  galloped 
to  the  rear  of  the  slowly  moving  columns.  The 
bridge  was  clear  for  the  infantry  and  the  wounded 
to  cross. 

But  the  enemy  was  by  no  means  driven  off.  They 
harassed  the  retreating  force  right  up  to  the  iron 
bridge  across  the  Gumti  leading  to  the  Residency. 

The  most  extraordinary  thing  in  this  cavalry  fight 
was  that  the  enemy's  horse  was  apparently  com- 
manded by  a  European,  who  was  seen  waving  his 
sword,  and  attempting  to  make  his  men  follow  him 
to  the  charge.  He  was  a  handsome-looking  man, 
well-built,  fair,  about  twenty-five  years  of  age 
wearing  the  undress  uniform  of  a  European  cavalry 
officer,  with  a  blue  and  gold  laced  cap  on  his  head. 

In  vain  our  men  tried  to  get  at  him.  When  he 
saw  that  his  troopers  would  not  stand  attack,  he 
galloped  off,  and  was  not  seen  again.  Everyone 
looked  upon  the  incident  as  most  mysterious,  and 
many  were  the  speculations  as  to  who  he  could  be. 
The  mystery  could  not  be  solved.  The  man  was 
believed  to  be  a  Russian,  but  the  fact  was  never 
made  clear. 

Of  all  the  men  who  took  part  in  this  unfortunate 
affair,  Sir  Henry  Lawrence  was  the  most  active  and 
untiring.  He  was  seen  in  the  most  exposed  parts 
K 


146  LOVE   BESIEGED 

of  the  field  riding  about,  giving  directions,  or  speak- 
ing words  of  encouragement,  amidst  a  terrific  fire 
of  grape,  roundshot  and  musketry,  which  struck 
down  men  on  every  side. 

Forgetful  of  himself,  conscious  only  of  the  danger 
and  distress  of  the  troops,  at  the  moment  of  the 
crisis  near  the  Kookrail  bridge,  when  his  little 
force  appeared  about  to  be  overwhelmed  by  the  dead 
weight  of  opposing  numbers,  he  wrung  his  hands 
In  agony,  and  exclaimed  : 

"  My  God — my  God — and  I  brought  them  to 
this." 

And  yet  he  had  no  cause  to  reproach  himself. 
The  retreat  of  the  exhausted  force  from  the  Kook- 
rail bridge  to  Lucknow,  under  the  circumstances 
of  the  case,  is  one  of  the  most  marvellous  incidents 
in  the  whole  history  of  the  Mutiny. 

After  passing  the  bridge  Sir  Henry  gave  over  the 
command  to  Colonel  Inglis,  and,  attended  only  by 
his  secretary  and  staff  officer,  galloped  to  Lucknow, 
and  through  the  city  to  the  Residency.  He  knew 
what  would  follow  the  defeat  at  Chinhut,  and  he 
lost  not  a  moment  in  making  his  preparations. 

In  the  meantime  the  news  of  the  disaster  had 
reached  the  city  as  early  as  9  A.M.  A  number  of  the 
Sikh  cavalry  and  mounted  artillerymen  crossed  the 
iron  bridge  at  that  hour,  their  horses  flecked  with 
foam,  and  themselves  in  mortal  terror.  But  not  one 
of  them  was  wounded. 

"Why  did  you  run?"  angrily  cried  the  commis- 
sioner to  whom  they  presented  themselves. 

"  Ah,  sahib,  we  were  surrounded,"  was  the  only 
answer  they  could  give.  Half-an-hour  later  a 
messenger  who  had  been  sent  to  gain  information, 


THE   FATAL   DAY   OF   CHINHUT     147 

returned  to  Lucknow  bearing  Sir  Henry's  sword 
scabbard  and  a  message  that  he  was  unhurt. 

Shortly  after  the  troops  began  to  arrive — a  sad 
procession  of  wounded  and  half  prostrate  men 
crawling  along  as  best  they  could,  without  order  or 
formation.  Weak  as  they  were,  none  of  the  natives 
of  the  city  attempted  to  molest  them.  On  the 
contrary,  on  approaching  the  suburbs,  the  natives — 
men,  women  and  children,  rich  and  poor — crowded 
round  the  weary  and  wounded  fugitives,  bringing 
water. 

Had  it  not  been  for  Sir  Henry's  forethought,  fearful 
carnage  might  have  taken  place  on  the  iron  bridge 
leading  to  the  city.  But  on  his  arrival  at  the  Resi- 
dency he  ordered  out  fifty  men  of  the  32nd,  under 
Lieutenant  Edmonstone,  to  the  bridge,  and  posted 
them  in  two  houses  on  each  side.  Towards  this 
bridge  the  yelling  and  triumphant  enemy  rushed ; 
but  here  they  stopped.  They  never  attempted  to 
cross  it.  These  fifty  Englishmen,  supported  by  the 
fire  from  the  two  eighteen-pounders  in  the  redan 
battery,  held  the  bridge  successfully  till  noon.  The 
rebels  then  gave  up  the  attempt  and  moved  off 
towards  the  stone  bridge  farther  up  the  river. 

So  ended  the  disastrous  affair  at  Chinhut.  The 
number  of  killed  in  comparison  to  the  wounded  was 
enormous.  Out  of  a  force  of  not  300  men,  112 
British  officers  and  soldiers  were  killed,  and  44 
wounded.  Of  the  natives,  there  were  nearly  300 
killed  and  missing.  Only  n  wounded  returned 
to  the  city.  Besides  the  howitzer  three  field-pieces 
were  lost,  with  almost  all  the  ammunition  waggons 
of  the  native  guns. 

No  estimate  could  be  formed  of  the  loss  of  the 


i48  LOVE   BESIEGED 

enemy,  but  the  total  number  engaged  was  calculated 
at  5550  infantry,  800  cavalry  and  IOO  artillery. 
The  odds  were  fearful,  and  the  only  cause  for  wonder 
is  not  that  so  many  of  the  British  should  have 
perished,  but  that  any  number  should  have  escaped. 

It  was  a  terrible  ordeal  for  the  women,  who,  crowd- 
ing to  the  Residency  windows,  saw  the  poor  fellows 
staggering  in  at  the  Baillie  Guard  Gate.  But  there 
was  no  time  for  sentiment.  The  wounded  had  to 
be  cared  for,  and  one  by  one  they  were  taken  to  the 
hospital,  formerly  the  banqueting  hall. 

Jean  was  one  of  the  first  to  offer  her  services.  She 
had  in  imagination  nerved  herself  for  the  terrors  of 
the  scene,  but  the  reality  far  surpassed  all  she  could 
conceive.  After  an  hour  or  so  Dr  Macpherson  sent 
her  back.  She  was  sick  and  faint. 

Suddenly  a  fierce  yell  of  triumph  issued  from  a 
square  building  some  little  distance  outside  the 
Baillie  Guard  Gate.  A  lady  burst  into  the  room 
where  Jean  was,  pale  and  agitated. 

"  The  prisoners  in  the  gaol  have  broken  loose,"  i-he 
screamed. 

This  was  of  comparatively  little  importance  then. 
The  prisoners  were  not  fighters.  They  would  not 
attempt  to  enter  the  Residency.  They  would  go 
where  plunder  was  to  be  had. 

While  the  terrified  ladies  were  watching  the  crowd 
of  prisoners  creeping,  some  lowering  themselves  out 
of  the  windows,  others,  out  of  sheer  insolent  bravado, 
climbing  to  the  roof  and  shouting  out  abuse  of  their 
former  masters,  a  flash  of  light  was  seen  in  the  dis- 
tance. 

"What's  that?"  whispered  Jean,  trembling  in  spite 
of  her  efforts  to  control  herself. 


THE   FATAL   DAY   OF   CHINHUT     149 

The  next  moment  she  heard  the  sound  of  crashing 
masonry  and  bricks.  A  roundshot  had  struck  the 
corner  of  the  Residency.  It  came  from  the  first  gun 
fired  by  the  rebels  in  the  city. 

The  siege  of  Lucknow  had  begun. 


CHAPTER  X 

THE  FIRST  DAY  OF  THE  SIEGE 

THE  siege  of  Lucknow  was  maintained  with  extra- 
ordinary energy.  The  rebels  were  no  doubt  sanguine 
of  success.  They  knew  that  their  numbers  were 
overwhelming,  and  that  the  British  were  not  only 
isolated  but  beyond  the  reach  of  help. 

The  mutineers  had  not  the  pluck  to  cross  the 
Gumti  by  the  iron  and  stone  bridges,  the  guns  of  the 
redan  battery  commanding  the  first,  and  those  of 
the  Mutcheebhawun  the  second  ;  but  numbers  of  the 
cavalry  entered  the  city  by  fording  the  river  lower 
down,  out  of  the  range  of  fire  and  many  of  the 
infantry  followed.  Guns  were  brought  over,  while 
cannon  was  very  soon  placed  in  position  on  the 
other  side.  The  eight-inch  howitzer  captured  at 
Chinhut  was  placed  in  a  battery  which  opened  fire 
upon  the  Residency  buildings.  Before  many  hours 
were  over  the  position  was  completely  invested. 
The  nearest  houses  were  rapidly  loopholed,  and  from 
there  came  a  hot  musketry  fire. 

The  unfortunate  day  at  Chinhut  precipitated  every- 
thing, and  many  of  the  fortifications  planned  by  Sir 
Henry  were  rendered  impossible.  The  provisioning, 
too,  was  incomplete.  No  one  had  dreamt  of  the 
isolation  of  the  Residency.  It  never  seemed  possible 
that  they  would  eventually  be  unable  to  communicate 
with  the  city,  as  was  now  the  case.  Scores  of 

150 


THE   FIRST   DAY    OF  THE   SIEGE     151 

families  had  brought  in  their  native  servants,  but 
many  of  these  were  shut  out  on  the  first  day.  All 
attempts  to  return  to  the  Residency  were  useless. 
The  musketry  fire  was  unceasing,  and  they  would 
have  been  shot  down  either  by  friend  or  foe. 

But  though  the  servants  who  were  outside  could 
not  get  back,  those  inside  were  able  to  run  away, 
and  many  succeeded  in  doing  so,  taking  with  them 
all  the  portable  property  they  could  lay  their  hands 
upon.  These  desertions  were  not  to  be  wondered 
at.  Many  of  the  natives  were  without  places  of 
shelter,  and  they  preferred  seeking  safety  among 
their  fellows  to  remaining  with  their  masters  ex- 
posed to  shot  and  shell. 

Owing  to  the  absence  of  servants  a  tremendous 
state  of  confusion  arose  in  the  streets,  lanes  and 
open  spaces  intervening  between  the  various  houses 
within  the  fortifications.  The  commissariat  and 
battery  bullocks  had  no  attendants  to  look  after 
them,  and  went  wandering  all  over  the  place 
searching  for  food.  They  tumbled  into  wells,  and 
were  afterwards  shot  down  in  numbers  by  the  enemy. 

All  this  subsequently  added  greatly  to  the  labour 
which  fell  on  the  garrison.  Fatigue  parties  of 
civilians  and  officers,  after  being  in  the  defences  all 
day  repelling  the  enemy's  attack,  were  often  em- 
ployed six  or  seven  hours  burying  cattle  killed 
during  the  day,  which  from  the  excessive  heat  be- 
came offensive  and  dangerous  in  a  few  hours. 

The  artillery  and  other  horses  were  commonly  to 
be  seen  loose,  fighting  and  tearing  at  one  another, 
driven  mad  for  want  of  food  and  water.  The  garri- 
son was  too  busily  employed  in  the  trenches  to  be 
able  to  secure  them. 


152  LOVE   BESIEGED 

For  two  or  three  days,  consequently,  the  interior 
of  the  Residency  fortifications  was  a  perfect  pande- 
monium. Nor  was  it  wonderful  that  panic  should 
seize  the  natives.  The  depression  among  the 
European  soldiers  and  civilians  was  great,  and  sad 
and  anxious  looks  met  one  on  all  sides. 

Sir  Henry,  throughout  the  trying  time  of  the  first 
two  days,  was  seen  everywhere.  He  visited  every 
post,  however  exposed  its  position,  however  hot  the 
fire  directed  against  it.  The  danger  was  excessive. 
The  enemy's  artillerists,  trained  by  our  best  in- 
structors, were  excellent  marksmen.  With  in- 
credible rapidity,  with  remarkable  ingenuity  and  with 
ndomitable  perseverance,  the  rebels,  in  the  very 
first  week,  made  batteries  in  positions  where  one 
would  have  thought  their  erection  impossible. 
Heavy  artillery  was  moved  to  the  tops  of  houses 
and  other  guns  placed  most  cleverly  in  places  where 
the  British  batteries  could  not  effectually  open  fire 
upon  them. 

It  was  the  morning  after  the  siege  had  begun 
The  ladies  had  passed  a  terribly  anxious  night. 
They  were  conscious  that  if  the  enemy  succeeded  in 
breaking  through  the  defences  and  storming  the 
place,  death  in  its  most  horrible  form  awaited  every 
member  of  the  garrison.  Half  way  through  the 
night  an  incessant  musketry  fire  was  kept  up,  and 
not  one  of  the  occupants  of  the  Residency  rooms 
closed  her  eyes.  Then  came  a  sudden  silence.  This 
in  itself  was  alarming.  Who  could  tell  that  it  might 
not  be  the  precursor  of  something  terrible  ? 

At  daylight  the  firing  recommenced.  It  sounded 
some  little  distance  away,  but  the  women  dared  not 
go  to  the  windows  to  see.  From  its  exposed 


THE   FIRST   DAY    OF  THE   SIEGE     153 

position  the  Residency  became  from  the  very  first 
moment  the  principal  object  of  attack. 

At  last  Jean  could  no  longer  restrain  her  anxiety. 
She  ventured  to  the  window  commanding  a  view  of 
the  Baillie  Guard  Gate.  A  great  commotion  met  her 
eager  anxious  gaze. 

"  They're  attacking  the  gate  ! "  she  cried  suddenly. 

A  thrill  of  terror  went  through  the  crowded  room. 
The  women  had  not  yet  got  used  to  attacks  and 
repulses.  Despite  the  danger  of  her  position,  Jean 
could  not  tear  herself  away.  She  felt  a  horrible 
fascination  in  the  sight.  The  bravery  and  tenacity 
with  which  the  fight  was  being  maintained  by  a 
mere  handful  of  defenders  excited  her  admiration. 

She  could  see  through  the  gateway.  Apparently 
the  sepoys  had  succeeded  in  mounting  a  gun  which 
commanded  the  position.  From  protected  situations 
on  the  roofs  of  the  surrounding  houses  a  murderous  fire 
was  being  poured  against  the  gateway.  All  this  was 
preparatory  to  a  determined  attack. 

Suddenly  she  caught  sight  of  a  mass  of  sepoy  caps 
through  the  smoke.  They  seemed  to  be  coming 
nearer  and  nearer  the  gateway.  From  her  elevated 
position  she  could  see  how  they  were  pressing  on- 
wards. In  another  minute  they  would  be  through 
the  gateway. 

She  clasped  her  hands  in  fright.  If  that  seething 
mass  once  made  its  way  through,  what  force  was 
there  inside  to  prevent  it  coming  straight  to  the 
Residency  ?  What  a  feeble  fire,  too,  seemed  to  be 
returned  by  the  defenders. 

"  Oh,  why  do  not  more  men  go  and  help  them  ?  " 
she  murmured,  half  aloud. 

Suddenly  there  was  a  slackening  in  the  enemy's 


154  LOVE    BESIEGED 

fire.  It  was  clear  they  did  not  want  to  hit  their 
own  men,  and  this  there  was  some  danger  of  doing 
now  that  they  were  so  near  the  gateway.  The  crowd 
of  dusky  soldiers  pressed  forward.  They  were 
already  three  parts  of  the  distance  through  the  big 
stone  gateway. 

Then,  as  though  someone  had  given  the  signal, 
a  fierce  fire  opened  upon  the  gateway  from  the  inside. 
Harmless-looking  walls  and  windows  were  dotted 
with  the  flash  and  smoke  of  muskets.  In  every 
direction  these  buildings  had  been  loopholed  and  to 
some  purpose. 

All  at  once  an  English  cheer  awoke  the  echoes,  and 
from  unseen  quarters — Jean  could  not  see  whence — 
a  score  or  more  brave  fellows  ran  out,  and,  headed 
by  one  whose  activity  enabled  him  to  outstrip  the 
rest,  charged  the  gateway,  bayonet  in  hand.  She 
could  not  see  what  happened,  but  she  knew  by  the 
unmistakable  English  shouts  that  the  rebels  had 
been  driven  back.  The  figure  of  the  leader  seemed 
familiar  to  her.  It  was  that  of  Jack  Havvke. 

In  less  than  five  minutes  the  gallant  little  band 
returned — not,  alas  1  as  they  vv^nt,  for  two  or 
three  were  being  borne  by  their  comrades — but 
victorious. 

The  first  attack  of  the  enemy  on  the  Baillie  Guard 
Gate  had  failed. 

The  fire  from  the  outside  had  almost  ceased,  and 
twenty  or  thirty  men  ran  forward — not  to  fight,  but 
to  dig  the  soft  earth  within  the  enclosure,  and  shovel 
it  into  the  gateway.  Foot  by  foot  the  heap  rose, 
the  men  every  now  and  then  beating  it  with  their 
shovels,  and  soon  a  substantial  barrier  was  in 
evidence,  which  only  wanted  sandbags  on  the  top 


THE   FIRST   DAY   OF  THE   SIEGE     155 

for  loopholes  to  make  a  formidable  fortification. 
Never  again  would  the  rebel  army  have  such  a  chance 
of  storming  the  Residency  as  they  had  that  day  and 
missed. 

The  band  of  soldiers  who  had  so  bravely  defended 
the  gateway,  after  leaving  the  wounded  at  the 
hospital,  came  towards  the  Residency. 

An  hour  after  the  repulse  of  the  rebels  at  the  gate, 
a  dreadful  thing  happened,  showing  in  the  most 
terrible  way  how  unsafe  the  Residency  was.  Indeed, 
with  the  exception  of  the  tyekhana  in  the  basement, 
no  building  could  have  been  less  calculated  for 
purposes  of  defence,  for  the  numberless  lofty  windows 
in  its  two  upper  storeys  offered  unopposed  entrance 
to  the  missiles  of  the  foe. 

The  daughter  of  Colonel  Palmer  (Colonel  Palmer 
was  in  command  at  the  Mutcheebhawun),  was  sitting 
in  one  of  these  upper  rooms  of  the  Residency  when 
a  roundshot  struck  her,  and  nearly  carried  off  her 
leg.  Amputation  was  immediately  had  recourse  to ; 
but  on  the  following  day  the  poor  girl  died.  She 
was  only  seventeen,  and  engaged  to  be  married  to 
a  young  officer  then  in  Lucknow. 

The  incident  caused  the  utmost  distress  and  alarm, 
alarm  which  was  increased  when  the  rumour  was 
spread  abroad  that  Sir  Henry  Lawrence  had  had  a 
narrow  escape  almost  at  the  same  time. 

Sir  Henry  occupied  a  room  on  the  first  storey  of 
the  most  exposed  angle  of  the  building,  and  while 
engaged  in  writing  with  his  secretary,  Mr  Cowper, 
an  eight-inch  shell  fell  and  burst  close  to  them, 
but  injured  neither. 

The  whole  of  the  staff  entreated  Sir  Henry  to 
leave  the  Residency,  or  at  least  to  choose  a  different 


156  LOVE   BESIEGED 

apartment.  He  refused,  observing,  with  a  quiet 
smile,  that  another  shell  would  certainly  never  be 
pitched  into  that  small  room. 

And  so  he  remained,  depending,  unhappily,  on 
the  doctrine  of  chances — a  doctrine  which,  before 
twenty-four  hours  had  gone  by,  played  him  false. 

But  while  indifferent  to  his  own  safety,  he  was  not 
less  solicitous  concerning  the  safety  of  others.  Half- 
an-hour  after  the  accident  to  Miss  Palmer,  he  entered 
the  ladies'  quarters.  At  once  he  was  surrounded  by 
the  frightened  women. 

"  You  must  all  get  ready  to  remove  to  the  tyekhana," 
said  he.  "  It  is  the  only  safe  place  in  the  Residency. 
No  shot  or  shell  can  reach  you  there." 

"  And  you,  Sir  Henry  ?  "  Jean  asked. 

"  I  remain  where  I  am,  my  dear  Miss  Atherton," 
said  he. 

"But  is  your  room  safe?  Is  not  your  life  more 
important  than  anyone  else's  ?  " 

"  We  have  all  to  live  our  time.  I  must  take  my 
chance  like  the  rest." 

Sir  Henry's  orders  to  remove  were  instantly  obeyed. 
Nearly  every  lady  had  to  be  her  own  porter.  The 
servants  had  gone,  and  none  of  the  men  could  be 
spared  for  the  work.  For  some  two  or  three  hours 
there  was  nothing  but  a  continual  procession  up  and 
down  the  stairs  to  and  from  the  tyekhana,  which,  it 
will  be  remembered,  was  practically  a  subterranean 
apartment.  It  was  well  adapted  for  the  purpose  to 
which  it  was  to  be  devoted. 

As  Jean  was  staggering  down  the  staircase  under 
the  weight  of  a  heavy  load,  she  felt  it  suddenly  lifted 
from  her. 

"  Let   me  carry  it  for  you,"   said  a  voice  in  the 


THE   FIRST   DAY   OF   THE   SIEGE     157 

gloom.  "  It's  too  heavy  for  your  arms.  I'm  rather 
a  sweep  just  now,  so  please  don't  look  at  me." 

And  Jack  Hawke  insisted  upon  retaining  the  load 
he  had  lifted  from  Jean's  hands. 

He  spoke  the  truth  when  he  said  he  was  rather 
a  sweep.  His  face  and  hands  were  blackened  with 
gunpowder  ;  he  was  in  his  shirt-sleeves,  which  were 
rolled  up  almost  to  his  shoulders,  showing  the  fine 
muscular  development  of  his  arms. 

"You're  quite  well  now,  Captain  Hawke,  I  hope?" 
said  Jean.  She  thought  she  had  not  seen  him  since 
he  raised  his  cap  as  he  was  riding  to  the  fatal  field 
of  Chinhut.  But  she  was  mistaken. 

"  Yes  ;  and  I  was  lucky  enough  to  come  through 
the  Chinhut  business  without  a  scratch." 

Something  in  the  twist  of  his  shoulders  reminded 
her  of  the  man  who  led  the  repulse  at  the  Baillie 
Guard  Gate. 

"  Were  you  not  out  early  this  morning  at  the  Gate?" 
she  asked. 

"  Did  you  see  that  rough-and-tumble  affair  ?  The 
beggars  won't  show  their  noses  in  that  gateway  again 
in  a  hurry,  I  fancy." 

"  It  was  very  brave  of  you  ! "  cried  Jean,  with  spark- 
ling eyes. 

"You  know  I  would  do  anything  for  you — and  the 
other  ladies,"  he  returned. 

Jean  cast  down  her  eyes.  The  vibration  in  his 
voice,  the  sudden  lowering  of  the  tone,  seemed 
dangerously  full  of  meaning. 

She  was  walking  by  his  side.  He  had  possessed 
himself  of  her  burden  in  a  sort  of  masterful  way 
heedless  of  her  protests. 

"  Is    it   really   true    we    were    so   badly   defeated 


158  LOVE  BESIEGED 

yesterday  ?  "  she  asked,  in  order  to  give  the  conversa- 
tion a  less  personal  turn. 

"  Too  true.  It's  a  wonder  we  were  not  cut  to  pieces, 
a  marvel  that  anyone  got  back  here  with  a  whole 
skin.  The  Pandies  were  led  better  yesterday  than  ever 
they  were  before.  Do  you  know  why  ?  " 

"No.  We  have  heard  so  few  details.  The  men 
have  something  better  to  do  than  gossip  with 
women." 

"  What !  hasn't  Lennard  told  you  anything  ? 
He's  a  great  friend  of  yours,  isn't  he  ?  " 

They  were  in  the  full  glare  of  a  window  when  he  said 
this.  His  fiery  eyes  seemed  to  devour  her  face. 
What  he  had  seen  in  the  Residency  garden,  and 
what  he  had  heard,  dwelt  continually  in  his  mind. 
Though  she  had  certainly  refused  Dr  Lennard,  she 
might  have  concealed  her  real  feelings. 

"  Women  are  all  born  actresses,"  he  muttered  to 
himself;  "though  why  on  earth  they  should  be  so 
fond  of  going  a  mile  round  instead  of  taking  the 
straight  road  I  never  for  the  life  of  me  could  under- 
stand." 

If  he  thought  to  catch  her  he  was  mistaken. 
Her  face  did  not  show  the  least  confusion,  and  this 
composure  was  to  him  a  great  relief. 

"Oh,  he  is  very  kind.  Dr  Lennard  is  a  great 
friend  of  papa's,"  said  she.  "  But  tell  me  about  the 
battle.  You  were  saying " 

"  Ah,  the  battle — yes.  The  leader  of  the  rebels  is 
a  European.  I'd  give  a  thousand  pounds  to  bury 
my  sword  in  the  scoundrel's  heart." 

"Is  it  really  possible  any  European  can  be  so 
wicked  as  to  support  the  sepoys  against  us?"  cried 
Jean. 


THE   FIRST   DAY   OF   THE   SIEGE     159 

"  It  looks  like  it.  There's  been  no  end  of  talk 
about  the  villain.  He  commanded  the  cavalry  at 
Chinhut,  and  one  of  our  fellows  saw  him  this 
morning  laying  the  eight-inch  howitzer  we  had  to 
leave  behind,  and  bringing  it  to  bear  on  the 
Residency." 

At  that  moment  an  officer  cannoned  against 
Hawke. 

"  By  Jove — Hawke  ! "  exclaimed  the  new-comer. 
"You're  the  very  man  I've  been  looking  for.  Excuse 
me,  Miss  Atherton,  if  I  rob  you  of  your  luggage- 
bearer." 

"  Oh,  he's  given  me  all  the  assistance  he  can.  I 
release  him  with  my  thanks,"  said  Jean. 

Hawke  bent  his  eyes  to  her  face,  and  his  lips 
moved  as  if  he  were  about  to  say  something.  How- 
ever, he  uttered  no  sound.  He  deposited  the 
package  on  the  floor  of  the  tyekhana,  held  the  door 
open  for  Jean,  and  bowed  as  she  passed. 

"  I  wish  you'd  come  at  any  other  time,  Robson  ! " 
he  growled. 

"  I'm  sorry.  I  hate  to  spoil  sport.  But  we've  got 
other  things  to  think  of  besides  doing  light  porters' 
work  for  girls." 

"  And  don't  I  know  that  as  well  as  you  ?  "  retorted 
Hawke  angrily.  "Were  you  at  the  Baillie  Guard 
Gate  this  morning?" 

"  No,  I  wasn't,  but  don't  row  me,  old  fellow ;  I 
meant  nothing." 

"Very  well,  what  is  it  you  want?" 

"  I've  just  heard  that  Sir  Henry  has  decided  to 
abandon  the  Mutcheebhawun.  He's  convinced  that 
with  the  crowd  of  howling  devils  round  us  he  can't 
maintain  the  two  places." 


160  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"  Of  course  he  can't !     Well?" 

"The  difficulty  is  how  to  communicate  with 
Colonel  Palmer,  who's  in  command.  Gubbins  has 
had  a  message  from  Palmer  to  the  effect  that 
ammunition  and  provisions  are  both  running  short; 
but  Gubbins  hasn't  been  able  to  communicate  with 
Palmer.  He's  sent  two  or  three  messengers,  but  he 
knows  they've  never  reached  the  colonel.  You  see, 
the  guns  of  the  rebels  sweep  the  ground  intervening 
between  the  Residency  entrenchments  and  the 
Mutcheebhawun." 

"  And  does  Sir  Henry  want  a  volunteer  to  take  a 
message  to  Palmer? "  said  Hawke,  with  a  grim  smile. 

"  No,  not  quite  that ;  but  something  almost  as 
risky.  He  wants  the  telegraph  rigged  up  on  the  top 
of  the  Residency  roof." 

This  had  been  previously  arranged  by  the  engineer 
in  concert  with  the  one  on  the  Mutcheebhawun.  It 
simply  consisted  of  a  post  with  a  bar  on  the  top, 
from  which  were  suspended  in  one  row  black  stuffed 
bags,  each  having  its  own  pulley  to  work  it.  By  the 
signalling  of  those  black  bags,  messages  were  sent. 
The  contrivance  was  not  in  good  order,  and  if  it  had 
been,  there  was  no  other  means  of  manipulating  it 
save  by  standing  on  the  roof.  The  operator 
practically  served  as  a  target  for  the  enemy's 
marksmen. 

"And  you  thought  I  might  like  to  do  it,  eh?" 
said  Hawke,  with  a  peculiar  expression  on  his  face. 

"  I  didn't  know.  You're  such  a  dare-devil ;  no- 
thing seems  to  come  amiss  to  you.  It  wants  a  cool 
head,  and  you've  got  that  when  you're  in  danger  of 
losing  it." 

"  Humph ! " 


THE   FIRST  DAY   OF  THE   SIEGE     161 

Just  at  that  moment  the  door  opened  and  Jean 
came  out. 

"  Robson's  right,"  he  muttered.  "  Cool  enough 
when  my  head's  in  danger,  but  not  when  the  danger 
lies  near  my  heart.  Yes,  I'll  go ;  but  this  girl  ?  If 
I  peg  out,  I'd  like  her  to  know  that  she  is  the  only 
being  in  this  world  I'd  be  sorry  to  leave." 

Jean  was  passing  him  with  a  slight  bow.  If  he 
hesitated,  the  opportunity  would  be  gone. 

"  Robson,"  said  he  hurriedly,  "  cut  away  to  Sir 
Henry  and  tell  him  I'm  following  you.  Quick,  old 
chap ! " 

He  half  pushed  Robson  in  front  of  Jean,  delaying 
her  progress  somewhat,  and  watched  the  young 
officer  spring  up  the  stairs  three  at  a  time. 

"  Miss  Atherton,"  said  he,  a  grim  smile  lighting  up 
his  face.  "  If  I  were  never  to  see  you  again,  would 
you  be  very  sorry  ?  " 

"  Certainly.  Why  not  ?  I  suppose  we  ought  to 
be  sorry  for  each  other,  seeing  our  terrible  position," 
said  Jean  quietly,  although  she  was  not  unconscious 
of  a  sudden  flutter  of  the  heart. 

"  That's  all  very  well ;  but  it  isn't  quite  what  I 
mean.  Let  me  put  it  another  way.  If  you  were  to 
die,  I  should  simply  rush  among  those  rascals  out- 
side and  get  my  death  as  quickly  as  I  could.  Do 
you  understand  that  feeling  ? " 

Jean's  heart  went  pit-a-pat.  The  vehemence,  the 
fierce  passion  of  this  man,  frightened  her.  She  could 
not  mistake  his  meaning.  He  was  madly  in  love 
with  her,  and  yet  he  had  never  mentioned  love. 
The  situation  was  embarrassing.  To  say  that  she 
did  understand  him  would  be  to  hasten  a  confession 
she  did  not  want  to  hear. 


LOVE   BESIEGED 

"When  death  is  so  near  to  all  of  us,"  at  last  she 
answered  slowly,  "  isn't  it  folly  to  say  what  we 
should  or  should  not  do?" 

To  persist  in  assuming  that  his  remark  applied 
generally  was  perhaps  the  best  reply  she  could 
make. 

"  Maybe  you're  right.  Anyhow,  my  time  isn't 
come  yet,"  he  continued,  suddenly  changing  his 
tone.  "  Good-bye,  Miss  Atherton.  We  may  meet 
again,  after  all." 

He  put  out  his  hand,  and  she  could  not  refuse 
hers.  He  raised  her  fingers  to  his  lips,  and  then, 
turning,  ran  up  the  stairs  after  Robson  to  obtain  his 
instructions  from  Sir  Henry  Lawrence. 

Sir  Henry  had  been  for  some  time  that  day  in 
conference  with  Jean's  father,  whom  he  had  placed 
in  a  responsible  post  in  connection  with  the  pro- 
visioning of  the  various  garrisons.  With  his  business 
methods  and  power  of  organisation,  Mr  Atherton 
had  proved  himself  invaluable.  Atherton  had  not 
left  the  old  chief  when  Hawke  entered  the  room. 
Captain  Fulton  of  the  Engineers  and  Mr  G.  H. 
Lawrence,  Sir  Henry's  nephew,  were  also  with  Sir 
Henry. 

"  Captain  Hawke,"  said  Sir  Henry,  "  Fulton  tells 
me  you  have  volunteered  to  help  him  and  my 
nephew  to  reopen  the  telegraph.  You  know  the  risk, 
of  course." 

"Yes,  sir.  It's  not  worth  thinking  about.  Sepoy 
bullets  don't  trouble  me  save  for  one  reason,  and 
that's  my  affair." 

"  Very  well,  then  good  luck  go  with  you." 

Hawke  saluted,  and  with  Fulton  and  young 
Lawrence,  quitted  the  room.  To  look  at  their 


THE   FIRST   DAY    OF   THE   SIEGE     163 

unmoved  faces,  no  one  would  have  imagined  they 
might  be  going  to  their  deaths. 

"  Hawke's  a  singularly  plucky  chap,"  said  Ather- 
ton,  after  a  pause,  when  he  was  again  alone  with 
Sir  Henry.  "  He  seems  to  delight  in  being  in 
danger.  It  almost  suggests  that  he  has  no  desire 
to  live." 

"  Luck's  been  against  him,  I'm  afraid.  Hawke's 
one  of  those  easy-going  fellows  who  people  say  are 
nobody's  enemy  but  their  own." 

"  That's  true.  I  always  liked  Hawke,  in  spite  of 
his  follies.  I  verily  believe  that  if  in  his  young  wild 
days  fate  hadn't  thrown  him  against  an  unprincipled 
woman,  he  would  have  been  as  exemplary  an  officer 
as  any  in  the  service.  His  men  idolised  him.  If 
bravery  is  any  atonement  for  sins,  Hawke  has 
certainly  wiped  out  his." 

"  That's  true.  Well,  I  hope  he'll  get  through  this 
dangerous  business  all  right  and  live  to  make  some 
good  woman  happy,"  rejoined  Sir  Henry. 

Meanwhile  the  three  gallant  volunteers  had 
ascended  to  the  roof  by  means  of  the  spiral  staircase 
in  the  octagonal  dome-crowned  tower  at  one  of  the 
angles  of  the  building.  They  had  been  at  work  five 
minutes  repairing  the  apparatus,  before  they  were 
spied  by  the  sharpshooters  posted  in  some  of  the 
tall  houses  near. 

Rifle  balls  rained  upon  the  gallant  workers,  prin- 
cipally from  the  top  of  the  gaol.  Some  of  the  ropes  of 
the  bags  were  actually  cut  by  the  bullets,  but  the  men 
went  on  coolly.  After  three  hours'  hard  work  under 
a  broiling  sun  and  a  heavy  fire,  the  transfer  of 
messages  was  at  last  completed — a  plucky  piece  of 
work  indeed. 


1 64  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Then  came  the  sending  of  the  all  -  important 
message  to  Colonel  Palmer.  It  ran  thus  : 

"  Spike  the  guns  well,  blow  up  the  fort,  and  retire 
at  midnight! " 

The  safety  of  the  three  men  and  the  success  of 
their  mission  were  at  once  reported  to  Sir  Henry, 
and  Atherton  descended  to  convey  the  news  to  the 
ladies'  quarters.  Jean,  he  could  not  help  noticing, 
was  quite  agitated — an  unusual  thing  with  her — 
when  he  announced  that  not  one  of  the  brave  trio 
was  hurt.  She  suddenly  paled  even  to  her  lips, 
swayed  once  or  twice  and  would  have  fallen  had  not 
her  father  caught  her.  She  was  faint,  but  she  never 
lost  consciousness. 

"  My  dear  child  ! "  exclaimed  her  father  anxiously 
"  You're  not  well.  Lennard's  not  far  off.  Someone 
here  will  go  for  him,  I'm  sure." 

"  No — no.  Please  don't  There's  nothing  the 
matter  with  me.  I'm  all  right  again.  See." 

She  tried  to  smile  and  succeeded  fairly  well,  but 
her  father  was  somewhat  doubtful,  while  her  evident 
distress  at  the  suggestion  of  sending  for  Lennard 
was  certainly  puzzling. 

For  days  past  Atherton  had  had  every  minute 
of  his  time  occupied.  When  he  was  not  looking 
after  the  commissariat,  he  had  a  rifle  in  his  hand,  and 
he  had  not  had  an  opportunity  of  talking  to  Lennard 
about  Jean.  He  had,  however,  hoped  that  the  young 
doctor  had  spoken,  and  that  the  answer  had  been 
favourable.  At  the  same  time  it  had  struck  him 
as  strange  that  Lennard  on  the  two  or  three  occasions 
when  they  had  met,  had  been  silent  on  a  subject 
which  could  not  but  be  very  dear  to  his  heart. 

Jean's  disinclination  to  see  the  doctor  seemed  to 


THE   FIRST  DAY   OF   THE   SIEGE     165 

indicate  that  all  was  not  right.  Had  they  quarrelled  ? 
Mr  Atherton  asked  himself.  But  for  the  moment 
he  said  nothing.  He  would  wait  until  Jean  was 
more  herself. 

Soon  she  was  laughing  and  romping  with  some 
of  the  little  ones,  and  it  did  not  appear  as  though 
her  faintness  had  left  any  ill  effects.  Her  father 
seized  his  opportunity  when  she  sat  down,  hot  and 
flushed,  to  rest,  and  he  drew  a  chair  close  to  her. 

"Let  us  have  a  little  talk,  my  dear,"  said  he. 
"We  don't  get  many  chances  of  exchanging  ideas, 
do  we?" 

"  No  indeed.  Poor  father,"  she  rejoined  laugh- 
ingly. "  I  can  hardly  recognise  my  neat,  trimly 
dressed  papa,  who  once  never  did  anything  for  him- 
self, and  who  now  has  to  work  hard  not  only  for 
himself  but  for  other  people  as  well." 

Mr  Atherton  smiled.  He  was  like  the  rest, 
beginning  to  look  somewhat  ragged  in  his  attire. 

"  We're  all  equals  now,  Jean,  and  everyone  must 
take  his  share  of  what  there  is  to  do,  and  without 
grumbling.  But  never  mind  about  that.  I  wanted 
to  talk  to  you  about  yourself — and  Ernest  Lennard." 

Jean  flushed  slightly  and  her  hands  trembled. 
It  was  evident  her  nerves  were  not  quite  under 
control. 

"  Why  do  you  couple  our  names  ? "  she  asked, 
with  a  sudden  catching  of  the  breath. 

"  My  dear  child,  the  terrible  position  into  which 
we  have  been  forced  makes  life  seem  but  a  trivial 
thing.  Hours,  days,  weeks,  months  are  but  minutes 
with  us.  There's  no  time  to  waste  in  misunderstand- 
ings. You  see  that,  don't  you  ?  " 

"Yes,  yes,"  she  replied  in  a  low  voice.     "That  is 


1 66  LOVE   BESIEGED 

why  I  did  not  want  to  have  any  misunderstanding 
with  Ernest  Lennard." 

"  Ah,"  cried  her  father.     "  Then  he  has  spoken  ?  " 

"Yes.  He  asked  me  to  be  his  wife.  It  was  pain- 
ful for  me  to  say  no.  I  like  Dr  Lennard  very  much, 
father,  but  I  never  could  love  him.  I — I  had  to  say 
this.  What  was  the  use  of  being  anything  but 
honest?  I  was  so  sorry  for  him,  but  what  could  I 
do?" 

The  keen-eyed  magistrate  had  not  studied  human 
nature  for  nothing.  Jean's  confusion  told  him  that 
her  refusal  of  Lennard  was  not  based  so  much  on 
her  assertion  that  she  could  not  love  him  as  that  her 
love  was  given  elsewhere.  He  forebore  questioning 
her ;  at  the  same  time  he  was  grievously  disappointed 
at  Lennard's  failure.  But  who  can  read  the  secrets 
of  a  woman's  heart,  or  understand  the  motives  that 
lead  her  to  accept  one  man  and  reject  another  ? 

At  that  moment  Atherton  unexpectedly  had  an 
answer  to  the  question  which  delicacy  prevented 
him  putting  to  his  daughter.  Hawke  had  entered 
the  room  and  was  immediately  surrounded  by  the 
women,  who  commenced  heaping  congratulations 
and  compliments  upon  him.  Hawke  appeared  quite 
indifferent  to  their  admiration.  His  eyes  were  fixed 
on  Jean,  and  her  father  saw  the  tell-tale  colour  in 
the  girl's  cheeks  and  the  sudden  sparkle  in  her  eyes. 

The  discovery  was  a  revelation  to  Atherton,  yet 
he  could  not  find  it  in  his  heart  to  blame  his  daughter, 
The  time  was  one  when  heroism,  endurance  and 
contempt  for  death  could  not  fail  to  appeal  to  an 
imaginative  and  sympathetic  girl.  No,  it  was  not 
wonderful  that  Jean  should  fall  in  love  with  the 
reckless,  the  picturesque,  the  plucky  Jack  Hawke. 


THE   FIRST   DAY   OF  THE   SIEGE     167 

whom  everybody  liked  and  for  whom  everybody  was 
sorry. 

The  magistrate's  eyes  shone  with  love  and  pity 
as  he  drew  his  daughter  to  him  and  kissed  her. 

"  I  think  I  understand,  my  poor  Jean,"  he  whispered. 
"  I  pray  God  you  may  be  happy." 

He  passed  from  the  room.  Fate  ordained  that 
father  and  daughter  should  never  meet  again,  for 
within  a  week  the  brave  and  devoted  Atherton  was 
destined  to  answer  the  roll  call  of  death.  The  end 
came  in  a  merciful  form,  the  bullet  that  struck  him 
in  the  forehead  killing  him  instantly.  Many  days 
passed  before  the  news  was  brought  to  Jean,  and  by 
that  time  much  had  happened. 


CHAPTER  XI 

AFTER   LIFE'S   FITFUL    FEVER 

SIR  HENRY  LAWRENCE  had  never  been  so  untiring 
in  his  activity,  as  on  the  day  when  the  order  was 
given  to  evacuate  the  Mutcheebhawun.  It  was  as 
though  he  had  a  foreboding  of  the  calamity  which 
was  to  happen  within  the  next  twenty-four  hours, 
and  wanted  to  utilise  every  minute  before  the  last. 

Meanwhile  the  enemy  had  opened  fire  against  the 
Mutcheebhawun ;  and  the  guns  of  the  battery,  after 
replying,  ceased  some  time  before  midnight.  This 
indifference  to  the  rebel  cannonade  quite  deceived 
the  mutineers.  They  believed  the  place  to  be  im- 
pregnable, and  thinking  they  were  wasting  powder 
and  shot,  also  ceased  firing.  The  last  thing  they 
imagined  was  that  the  place  was  about  to  be 
evacuated  and  the  idea  of  blockading  the  garrison 
never  occurred  to  them. 

They  were  further  deceived  by  Sir  Henry's  ruse 
of  opening  a  fierce  fire  from  the  Residency  upon  the 
iron  bridge  between  the  Residency  and  the  Mutchee- 
bhawun. Not  a  sepoy  remained.  Never  did  the 
rebels  suspect  that  the  plan  of  keeping  the  bridge 
clear  was  to  enable  the  troops  to  pass  from  one 
stronghold  to  another.  The  distance  between  the 
two  places  was  about  three  quarters  of  a  mile,  and 
shortly  after  midnight  the  force  began  noiselessly  to 

move  out.     The  greater  portion  of  the  heavier  guns 

168 


AFTER   LIFE'S    FITFUL   FEVER     169 

had  to  be  left  behind,  but  the  troops  managed  to 
bring  with  them  two  nine-pounders.  With  such 
speed  did  they  move,  that  the  225  men  of  whom  the 
garrison  consisted,  the  guns,  and  the  treasure,  arrived 
in  the  Residency  in  fifteen  minutes  without  having 
a  shot  fired  at  them. 

A  catastrophe  very  nearly  happened.  It  was  a 
very  dark  night,  and  when  the  advance  guard  reached 
the  entrance  to  the  Residency,  the  officer  in  com- 
mand called  out : 

"Open  the  gates!" 

The  gunners  inside  heard  the  voice,  but  imagined 
it  came  from  one  of  their  own  officers  within  the 
walls,  and  that  what  he  said  was  not  "  Open  tha 
gates,"  but  "  Open  with  grape  \  " 

At  this  one  of  the  men  was  about  to  fire,  when  an 
officer,  rushing  up,  dashed  the  gunner  aside,  and  so 
averted  a  terrible  disaster. 

Meanwhile  the  train  for  the  destruction  of  the  fort 
had  been  laid  by  Lieutenant  Thomas  of  the  Madras 
Artillery.  The  explosion  was  timed  to  take  place 
half- an -hour  after  the  departure  of  the  garrison. 
Sir  Henry  Lawrence  and  a  group  of  officers  stood 
awaiting  the  event. 

At  the  appointed  time  a  blaze  of  fire  shot  up  to 
the  sky,  followed  by  a  deafening  report,  and  a  huge 
dense  cloud  of  smoke,  which  hung  silently  over  the 
city  for  a  long  time  before  it  dispersed.  By  that 
explosion  were  destroyed  240  barrels  of  gunpowder, 
and  6,000,000  ball  cartridges,  but  it  compassed  the 
complete  dismantlement  of  the  fortress.  A  vast 
quantity  of  percussion  caps,  with  many  lacs  and  250 
boxes  of  small-arm  ammunition,  were  sacrificed  at 
the  same  time,  to  say  nothing  of  all  the  stores  which 


1 70  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Sir  Henry  Lawrence  had  been  at  such  trouble  and 
expense  to  get  together. 

The  evacuation  of  the  Mutcheebhawun  was  a 
relief  to  the  mind  of  Sir  Henry  Lawrence.  Not  only 
did  the  garrison  make  a  welcome  addition  to  the 
little  force  in  the  Residency,  sadly  depleted  by  the 
Chinhut  disaster,  but  it  removed  a  constant  source  of 
anxiety. 

Indeed,  as  Colonel  Inglis  afterwards  wrote  in  his 
despatch,  if  it  had  not  been  for  this  wise  and  strategic 
measure,  in  all  probability  no  member  of  the  Luck- 
now  garrison  would  have  survived  to  tell  the  tale. 
The  Mutcheebhawun  was  commanded  from  other 
parts  of  the  town,  and  was,  moreover,  indifferently 
provided  with  heavy  artillery  ammunition,  and  if  the 
original  intention  of  holding  both  the  Mutchee- 
bhawun and  the  Residency  had  been  adhered  to,  both 
would  inevitably  have  fallen. 

It  was  a  piece  of  good  fortune,  too,  that  Sir  Henry 
Lawrence  was  so  prompt  in  ordering  the  abandon- 
ment. The  time,  quite  by  chance,  was  well  chosen. 
The  enemy  had  determined,  before  they  commenced 
in  earnest  to  besiege  the  Residency  to  devote  a 
preliminary  night  to  the  plunder  of  the  town.  They 
were  engaged  in  this  congenial  work  when  the 
explosion  of  the  Mutcheebhawun  signified  to  them 
that  they  had  missed  a  great  opportunity. 

Meanwhile,  since  their  meeting  in  the  Residency 
garden,  Jean  had  not  seen  Ernest  Lennard.  After 
Chinhut,  the  little  hospital  became  full  of  wounded, 
and  the  medical  staff  had  as  much  as  it  could  do- 
Jean  had  not  gone  into  the  hospital  after  her  first 
attempt  to  assist  in  tending  the  wounded.  She 
had  not  yet  become  hardened  to  the  horrors  of  war, 


AFTER   LIFE'S   FITFUL   FEVER     171 

and  Dr  Macpherson  forbade  her  the  place  for  a 
couple  of  days  at  least. 

"  Puir  lassie  !  "  he  muttered.  "  It  won't  be  long 
before  the  whole  of  the  Residency  will  be  one 
hospital,  and  she'll  have  enough  to  do  then." 

Anxious  as  she  was  to  help,  Jean  was  grateful  to 
the  old  doctor,  and  in  obedience  to  his  command,  she 
kept  within  the  tyekhana. 

Edith  Ross,  on  the  other  hand,  suddenly  became 
deeply  interested  in  hospital  work  ;  and  as  she  was 
a  woman  of  extraordinary  nerve,  Macpherson  en- 
couraged her  attendance. 

Once  or  twice  she  met  Lennard,  and  would  have 
stopped  him ;  but  he  either  did  not  care  to  talk  or 
was  too  busy.  He  simply  bowed,  and  hurriedly  passed 
on.  But  this  was  immediately  after  the  wounded 
had  been  brought  in,  and  there  was  ample  reason 
why  he  should  not  loiter.  After  a  couple  of  days  had 
gone  by  the  strain  upon  his  services  was  not  so  great, 
and  on  the  2nd  of  July,  the  day  after  the  blowing  up 
of  the  Mutcheebhawun,  he  was  proceeding,  weary 
and  fagged,  towards  his  quarters,  when  he  suddenly 
came  face  to  face  with  Mrs  Ross.  Apparently  it  was 
a  chance  meeting,  for  the  lady  started  as  though  she 
had  been  thinking  of  anything  but  meeting  him. 

And  yet  purpose  regulated  most  of  Mrs  Ross's 
happenings,  and  she  had  no  desire  that  Jean 
Atherton's  refusal  of  Ernest  Lennard  should  be 
taken  as  final.  She  had  long  desired  an  opportunity 
of  discussing  the  matter  with  him,  and  now  with 
consummate  tact  introduced  the  subject.  But  Len- 
nard did  not  carry  his  heart  upon  his  sleeve,  and  had 
no  desire  to  bare  his  hand  to  anyone.  He  had 
learned  the  truth  of  the  old  Scripture :  "  The  heart 


172  LOVE   BESIEGED 

knoweth  its  own  bitterness,  and  the  stranger  inter- 
meddleth  not  with  its  sorrow." 

Mrs  Ross  would  have  detained  Lennard,  for  she 
had  much  to  say  to  him,  but  he  was  not  in  the  mood 
for  conversation,  and  somewhat  abruptly  said  : 

"  Good-bye  for  the  present.  I've  two  hours'  leave 
from  Macpherson,  and  I  want  to  spend  the  whole  of 
it  in  sleep,  if  I  can." 

He  bowed  and  walked  rapidly  away. 

Edith  Ross  stood  quietly  watching  his  retreating 
figure.  Then  she  walked  on  slowly,  talking  to  her- 
self softly.  Her  thoughts  were  so  absorbing,  it  is 
doubtful  if  she  even  heard  the  booming  of  the 
cannon  and  volleys  of  musketry  fire  coming  from  all 
sides. 

It  was  a  matter  of  common  talk  among  her  friends 
how  Mrs  Ross  had  altered  in  appearance  during  the 
last  three  weeks.  Her  sallowness  had  gone,  the 
wrinkles  about  the  eyes  had  filled  up,  the  lines  at 
the  corners  of  the  mouth  had  softened,  her  eyes  had 
regained  a  good  deal  of  their  old  brilliancy,  when  a 
single  glance  would  set  the  heart  of  a  susceptible 
subaltern  aflame.  In  a  word,  she  looked  ten  years 
younger. 

Why  was  this?  Edith  Ross  herself  could  not 
or  would  not  say,  and  only  laughed  when  any  of 
the  officers  complimented  her  on  looking  so  well. 
The  explanation  was  very  simple.  The  sight  of 
the  man  she  loved  with  all  the  fervour  of  her  Eastern 
nature  had  renewed  her  youth. 

Little  by  little  she  had  worn  down  Hawke's  anger. 
If  not  absolutely  friends,  they  were  not  absolutely 
enemies,  and  she  did  not  despair  of  winning  him 
back. 


AFTER   LIFE'S   FITFUL    FEVER     173 

"  He's  smitten  by  Jean  Atherton's  pretty  face,  but 
his  love  won't  last,"  she  had  said  to  herself  over  and 
over  again.  "  I  know  him  too  well." 

She  decided  she  had  made  a  mistake  in  trying 
to  set  Jean  against  Hawke,  and  latterly  she  had 
never  mentioned  his  name.  It  was  far  better  policy 
to  pretend  to  be  indifferent  to  him,  and  to  appear  to 
be  furthering  his  interests  with  Jean. 

"  It's  all  happened  for  the  best,"  she  murmured. 
"Jack  imagines  that  because  Jean  refused  Dr 
Lennard  that  therefore  she  is  free.  Supposing  I 
persuade  Jack  that  his  turn  has  now  come  ;  that  Jean 
herself  has  dropped  a  few  words  in  his  favour  ?  It's 
better  to  bring  matters  to  a  crisis.  If  he  gets  his 
refusal  from  the  girl's  own  lips  that  will  end  the 
matter;  and  then — well,  why  shouldn't  my  time 
come  at  last?" 

It  was  a  pleasant  dream. 

"Jack  never  cared  for  a  doll-like  face  in  the  old 
days,  and  though  I  don't  say  Jean  Atherton's  face 
is  doll-like — I'll  give  her  that  due,  although  I 
hate  her — I  don't  believe  it's  the  style  he  cares  for. 
Bah !  what  fools  men  are — and  women  too,"  she 
added,  with  sudden  tightening  of  the  lips.  "  But 
I'll  never  let  my  temper  get  the  better  of  me  again. 
No,  for  the  future,  I'll  be  more  discreet.  He  shall 
never  feel  the  noose  is  over  his  head  until  it  is  there 
securely." 

She  paced  up  and  down  the  corridor  outside  the 
tyekhana,  thinking,  planning,  revolving.  Never  once 
did  it  occur  to  her  that  a  chance  bullet  might  put  an 
end  to  all  her  dreams.  She  had  made  up  her  mind 
that  sooner  or  later  she  would  have  Jack  Hawke's 
love  and  satisfy  her  own  ;  and  when  she  had  made  up 


174  LOVE   BESIEGED 

her  mind  the  thing  was  fixed.  What  had  chance  to 
do  with  it  ? 

"  Yes,  Jack  can  propose  to  Jean  Atherton  if  he 
likes,"  she  repeated,  with  a  scornful  smile,  "and  per- 
haps after  all  the  sooner  the  better." 

The  possibility  of  Jean  Atherton  accepting  Hawke 
certainly  did  flit  before  her  like  a  dark  shadow,  but 
she  brushed  it  away  impatiently  as  a  most  unlikely 
contingency. 

"Jack's  way  with  women  is  dangerous.  What  he 
hasn't  got  in  speech  he  makes  up  in  impetuosity, 
and  she  might  be  won  over.  Well,  well,"  she  con- 
tinued, impatiently,  "  I  shall  know  what  to  do. 
There  are  other  ways." 

She  was  about  to  return  to  the  tyekhana  when 
she  heard  her  name  suddenly  pronounced.  She 
turned  and  saw  the  subject  of  her  thoughts — Jean 
Atherton.  Jean  had  just  run  down  the  staircase  and 
was  within  a  few  feet  of  her.  She  was  very  pale, 
and  her  eyes  had  a  look  of  fright  in  them. 

"  Oh,  Mrs  Ross,"  she  exclaimed,  "  a  terrible  thing 

has  happened  !  Poor  Sir  Henry  Lawrence "  she 

stopped  and  burst  into  tears. 

11  What  have  you  heard  about  Sir  Henry?  " 

"  He's  been  horribly  wounded.  They  say  he  can't 
possibly  live.  Oh,  it's  frightful ! " 

For  a  brief  space  Edith  Ross  forgot  her  selfish 
thoughts ;  but  not  for  long.  If  Sir  Henry  were 
dead,  others  would  take  his  place.  Jean  was  terribly 
distressed,  and  could  hardly  muster  sufficient  calm- 
ness to  disclose  what  she  had  heard. 

At  dawn  of  day,  it  appeared,  Sir  Henry  Lawrence 
rose,  and  with  his  wonted  activity,  superintended  the 
new  arrangements  which  had  become  necessary  owing 


AFTER    LIFE'S    FITFUL   FEVER     175 

to  the  welcome  accession  of  force  which  the  dark 
hours  had  brought  him.  He  had  seen  new  detach- 
ments posted  and  new  guns  planted  ;  and  when  the 
morning  sun  had  become  oppressive,  he  returned  to 
the  Residency  and  rested  on  a  couch  while  he  was 
issuing  his  instructions. 

His  nephew,  George  Lawrence,  was  lying  on 
another  couch  in  the  same  room.  By  the  general's 
side  stood  Captain  Wilson,  assistant  adjutant- 
general,  waiting  the  orders  of  his  chief.  There  was 
also  a  native  servant  in  the  room. 

What  followed  is  best  told  in  Captain  Wilson's 
own  words  : 

"  Sir  Henry  had  desired  me  to  draw  up  a  me- 
morandum as  to  how  the  natives  were  to  be  distributedf 
and  I  went  into  the  next  room  to  write  it;  but 
previous  to  doing  so  I  reminded  him  of  his  promise 
to  go  to  the  room  below,  for  we  had  at  last  persuaded 
him  to  remove.  He  said  he  was  very  tired,  and 
would  rest  a  couple  of  hours,  and  that  then  he  would 
have  his  things  removed. 

"  In  about  half-an-hour  I  went  back  into  the  room 
with  what  I  had  written.  His  nephew,  Mr  George 
Lawrence,  was  then  lying  on  a  small  bed  parallel  to 
his  uncle's,  with  a  very  few  feet  between  them. 

"  I  went  between  the  beds,  and  stood  on  the  right- 
hand  side  of  Sir  Henry's,  with  one  knee  resting  on  it. 
A  native  servant  was  sitting  on  the  floor  pulling  the 
punkah. 

"  I  read  what  I  had  written.  It  was  not  quite  in 
accordance  with  his  wishes,  and  he  was  in  the  act  of 
explaining  what  he  desired  altered,  when  the  fatal 
shot  came.  A  sheet  of  flame,  a  terrific  shock,  and 
a  dense  darkness  is  ail  I  can  describe." 


176  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Captain  Wilson  was  thrown  to  the  ground,  but  on 
recovering  himself  he  cried  out :  "  Sir  Henry,  are  you 
hurt?" 

At  first  there  was  no  answer,  but  after  a  little  while 
the  feeble  voice  of  the  chief  commissioner  was  heard 
to  say  : 

"  I  am  killed." 

The  punkah  had  come  down  with  the  ceiling,  and 
a  great  deal  of  the  plaster,  and  the  dust  and  smoke 
were  so  great  it  was  some  minutes  before  anything 
could  be  seen.  As  the  air  became  clearer  Wilson 
saw  that  the  white  coverlet  on  which  Sir  Henry  lay 
was  crimson  with  his  blood. 

He  had  received  his  death  wound  from  the  fatal 
howitzer,  first  found  in  a  Lucknow  house,  used  at 
Chinhut,  there  abandoned,  and  brought  by  the  rebels 
once  more  into  the  city.  A  shell  from  this  gun  had 
exploded  in  the  general's  room,  and  a  fragment  of  it 
had  wounded  him  fearfully  on  the  upper  part  of  the 
left  thigh. 

At  the  sound  of  the  explosion  a  handful  of  soldiers 
rushed  in  and  placed  Sir  Henry  on  a  chair.  Captain 
Wilson  then  found  that  the  back  of  his  shirt  was  all 
blown  off  (he  had  on  only  a  shirt  and  trousers) ;  that 
he  was  slightly  wounded  by  a  fragment  of  the  shell 
and  that  the  servant  pulling  the  punkah  had  had  one 
of  his  feet  cut  off  by  another  fragment  of  the  shell. 
Mr  George  Lawrence  was  alone  of  the  four  in  the 
room  unhurt,  and  he  ran  at  once  for  Dr  Fayrer,  who, 
upon  his  arrival,  found  that  Sir  Henry  had  been 
removed  to  a  small  apartment,  not  so  much  exposed, 
adjoining  the  drawing-room.  Here  he  lay,  surrounded 
by  his  friends. 

Though  he  seemed  to  be  under  the  impression  he 


AFTER   LIFE'S    FITFUL   FEVER      177 

was  in  the  agonies  of  death,  Sir  Henry  was  talking 
quite  calmly  to  the  people  about  him. 

"Doctor,"  said  the  brave  old  gentleman  quietly, 
"  how  long  have  I  to  live  ?  " 

"  I  cannot  promise  more  than  forty-eight  hours," 
said  Fayrer  mournfully. 

"  So  long  ?  I  did  not  think  I  had  as  many  minutes. 
Well,  well,  I  will  do  my  duty  to  the  last." 

It  was  useless  to  think  of  amputating  the  limb. 
All  that  could  be  done  was  to  palliate  his  sufferings 
and  maintain  his  strength.  The  little  life  that  was 
left  in  him  might  still  be  serviceable  to  his  country- 
men, and  it  was  right  to  lengthen  it  to  the  utmost. 

He  had  already  bethought  himself  of  what  was  to 
be  done  in  the  event  of  the  mortal  blow  descending 
upon  him  and  there  was  no  hurry  or  indecision. 

He  had  previously  obtained  the  sanction  of  Govern- 
ment to  the  appointment  of  Major  Banks  as  his 
successor  in  the  office  of  chief  commissioner,  and  he 
now  formally  made  over  the  charge.  Colonel  Inglis 
was  given  the  chief  military  command. 

How  it  came  about  no  one  could  say,  but  it  is 
certain  that  the  news  of  Sir  Henry's  mortal  wound 
reached  the  enemy,  and  within  half-an-hour  that 
portion  of  the  Residency  was  subjected  to  a  terrible 
bombardment. 

"  The  bloodthirsty  demons  ! "  exclaimed  Fayrer. 
"The  poor  general  musn't  remain  here.  It's  torture. 
He  must  come  to  my  house." 

And  so,  with  all  tenderness  and  care,  he  was  carried 
to  Dr  Fayrer's  residence,  which  was  less  within  the 
reach  of  the  rebel  guns,  though  open  to  their  musketry. 
There  his  last  hours  were  passed. 

Dismal  indeed  seemed  the  outlook  in  the  Residency 


178  LOVE   BESIEGED 

when,  on  the  4th  of  July,  it  was  announced  that  the 
loved  chief  was  no  more. 

Half-an-hour  before  Sir  Henry's  death  his  nephew, 
Mr  G.  Lawrence,  was  shot  through  the  shoulder  as 
he  was  standing  in  the  verandah  of  Dr  Fayrer's  house. 
He  was  taken  into  the  room  where  his  uncle  lay  dying. 

Sir  Henry  could  not  be  buried  until  nightfall. 
Had  the  interment  taken  place  in  the  daytime  it 
would  have  meant  more  deaths,  for  the  musketry 
volleys  were  fierce  and  incessant.  When  the  burial 
was  determined  upon,  half-a-dozen  soldiers  were 
called  in  for  the  purpose,  and  one  of  them,  lifting 
the  sheet  from  the  face,  kissed  it  reverently. 

As  in  the  case  of  Sir  John  Moore,  no  military 
honours  marked  the  funeral.  A  hurried  prayer  was 
read  amidst  the  booming  of  cannon  and  the  fire  of 
musketry,  and  the  remains  of  the  good  and  great 
man  were  lowered  into  the  pit  with  those  of  his 
comrades-in-arms  who  had  fallen  the  same  day. 

Excepting  to  those  in  the  Residency,  the  death  of 
Sir  Henry  Lawrence  was  not  known  to  the  English 
and  was  kept  secret  for  several  days.  He  was  even 
reported  to  be  recovering.  But  at  last  the  truth 
could  no  longer  be  concealed,  and  the  tidings 
were  received,  to  quote  Colonel  Inglis'  despatch, 
<(  throughout  the  garrison  with  feelings  of  consterna- 
tion, only  second  to  the  grief  which  was  inspired  in 
the  hearts  of  all  by  the  loss  of  a  public  benefactor 
and  a  warm  personal  friend." 

The  last  words  of  the  brave  Sir  Henry  Lawrence 
were  never  forgotten,  and  gave  fresh  courage  to  many 
a  man  as  he  took  his  post  in  the  early  dawn,  anxious 
that  before  nightfall  he  might  be  numbered  among 
the  slain  : 


AFTER   LIFE'S   FITFUL   FEVER     179 

"  No  surrender !  Let  every  man  die  at  his  post, 
but  never  make  terms.  God  help  the  poor  women 
and  children  ! " 

Had  the  dying  injunction  of  the  heroic  old  chief 
been  blazoned  on  the  walls  of  every  house  within  the 
entrenchment,  it  could  not  have  been  more  faithfully 
obeyed  by  the  nine  hundred  and  twenty-seven  men 
who  composed  the  Lucknow  garrison  on  the  first  day 
of  the  siege. 


CHAPTER   XII 

HAWKE  TRIES  HIS  LUCK 

THE  group  of  buildings  known  in  those  days  as  the 
Residency  included  a  number  of  houses  built  for 
ordinary  domestic  use  originally  separated  from  each 
other  by  small  plots  of  ground,  and  subsequently 
joined  together  for  defensive  purposes  by  mud  walls 
and  trenches — the  mud  walls  for  defence  from  outer 
attack,  the  trenches  for  protection  against  the 
enemy's  shells.  To  pretend  that  these  defences  were 
fortifications  in  the  proper  sense  of  the  term  is  to 
overstate  the  case.  All  that  can  be  said  is  that  the 
walls  of  the  houses  were  thick,  that  the  bricks  were 
small  and  compact,  and  that  happily  they  were 
cemented  together  by  the  toughest  of  mortar,  yet 
through  these  barriers  the  roundshot  and  shell 
of  the  enemy  again  and  again  ploughed  their 
way. 

Most  of  the  garrisons  were  virtually  isolated,  and 
the  inmates  of  one  scarcely  knew  how  the  inmates 
of  the  others  fared.  It  was  impossible  to  go  outside 
many  of  the  houses  without  being  seen  and  fired  at. 
Persons  passing  on  duty  from  one  post  to  another 
were  constantly  wounded. 

The  numerous  points  of  resistance  formed  by  the 
isolated  buildings  had  one  advantage.  They  divided 
the  attack  of  the  enemy.  They  were,  in  addition, 
confusing.  Had  the  rebels  been  commanded  by 

1 80 


HAWKE   TRIES   HIS   LUCK         181 

a  real  leader  he  might  have  risen  to  the  occasion, 
and  the  end  of  the  siege  of  Lucknow  might  have 
come  about  very  speedily,  but  there  were  divided 
counsels,  and  all  this  was  to  the  advantage  of  the 
beleaguered  garrison. 

During  the  first  days  of  the  siege,  and  especially 
after  the  death  of  Sir  Henry  Lawrence,  the  enemy 
maintained  almost  continually  day  and  night  a 
storm  of  roundshot  and  musketry  upon  some  of  the 
most  exposed  positions — such  as  the  Residency,  the 
Baillie  Guard,  the  post-office,  the  Sago  and  Financial 
garrisons,  and  the  Cawnpore  battery. 

The  ingenuity  of  the  enemy  in  finding  out  the 
weak  places  of  the  fortifications  was  remarkable. 
Hawke  swore  that  no  native  had  brains  enough,  and 
that  it  was  due  to  the  European  leader,  whoever  he 
was. 

However  this  may  be,  it  is  certain  that  while  in 
order  to  get  at  the  taller  and  more  exposed  positions 
the  muskets  were  pointed  very  high,  in  the  case  of 
the  Cawnpore  battery,  at  the  south-east  angle  of  the 
entrenchment,  the  bullets,  which  were  at  first  aimed 
high,  gradually  came  lower,  and  on  the  4th  of  July, 
the  day  on  which  Sir  Henry  Lawrence  died,  several 
poor  fellows  were  shot. 

Just  outside  the  entrenchment  wall,  and  separated 
from  the  Cawnpore  battery  by  a  wide  road,  was  an 
unoccupied  house  known  as  Johannes'  House.  Had 
there  been  time  this  house  would  have  been  de- 
molished, as  likely  to  afford  cover  for  the  enemy ; 
but  the  Chinhut  affair  hastened  everything,  and  the 
house  was  left  standing. 

At  first  it  remained  empty,  as  the  natives  were 
afraid  it  was  undermined,  a  rumour  to  that  effect 


1 82  LOVE   BESIEGED 

having  been  circulated  before  the  siege  began  ;  but 
in  two  or  three  days  the  sepoys  obtained  possession 
of  it  and  it  soon  became  the  greatest  possible  annoy- 
ance to  the  Cawnpore  battery. 

Johannes"  House  was  surmounted  by  a  turret,  and 
here  a  party  of  the  enemy's  riflemen  were  posted, 
under  the  command  of  an  African  negro,  formerly  in 
the  employ  of  the  ex-King  of  Oudh.  This  man  was 
a  splendid  shot,  and  rarely  did  he  fire  without  killing 
or  wounding. 

In  consequence  of  the  fire  from  this  turret,  the 
Cawnpore  battery  was  rendered  almost  useless. 
Bullets  swept  down  the  main  street  to  the  west  of 
the  Cawnpore  battery,  and  leading  northward  to  the 
Residency  and  hospital,  frequently  entering  the 
windows  of  the  last-named  building.  By  one  of 
these  the  Rev.  Mr  Polehampton,  one  of  the  two 
chaplains,  was  severely  wounded  on  the  7th  of  July. 

The  Cawnpore  battery  throughout  the  siege 
occupied  a  peculiar  position.  It  was  constructed  of 
earth  and  palisades,  and  armed  with  one  eight  and 
two  nine  pounder  guns.  The  battery  was  so  entirely 
commanded  by  the  enemy's  works  that  when  under 
a  heavy  fire  it  could  not  be  defended.  For  this 
reason  the  commandant  of  the  post  was  constantly 
changed.  To  be  in  charge  of  it  for  several  days 
meant  certain  death.  Whoever  took  command  of 
the  Cawnpore  battery,  even  for  a  short  time,  bade 
good-bye  to  his  friends. 

Many  valuable  lives  were  lost  in  defending  the 
battery.  It  might  have  been  abandoned  without 
much  loss,  for  had  it  been  taken  by  the  enemy  it 
would  have  been  of  little  use  to  them,  as  it  was 
entirely  commanded  by  the  houses  behind  it  within 


HAWKE  TRIES   HIS   LUCK         183 

the  fortifications.  But  it  served  the  purpose  of 
warding  off  an  attack  upon  the  houses  it  guarded, 
and  so  was  maintained. 

Owing  to  the  forethought  of  Sir  Henry,  there  was 
no  lack  of  provisions.  Of  wine  and  champagne  a 
more  than  ample  store  had  been  laid  in. 

After  the  siege  began,  and  the  commissariat 
arrangements  got  into  working  order,  rations  were 
regularly  issued  of  grain,  bullock  beef,  or  mutton, 
with  flour  and  rice,  and  all  on  a  fixed  scale.  Most 
of  the  residents  had  provided  themselves  privately 
with  a  stock  of  luxuries  in  the  way  of  preserved 
provisions,  and  these  proved  welcome  additions 
whenever  a  visitor  ventured  to  make  a  call. 

The  greatest  want  was  bread.  The  bakers  had, 
without  exception,  deserted  ;  and  no  one  during  the 
siege  seems  to  have  taken  up  the  art  of  bread- 
making.  The  substitute  for  bread  was  the  chupatty 
— flour  kneaded  with  water,  and  beaten  thin  and  flat 
by  clapping  it  between  the  hands.  These  were 
baked  on  iron  plates  over  the  fire,  and  were  not 
particularly  wholesome  nor  palatable. 

There  was  no  sort  of  regular  meal,  save  for  the 
ladies.  The  men  usually  took  their  breakfast  stand- 
ing at  their  loopholed  windows  watching  the  enemy, 
their  right  hands  grasping  their  rifles,  the  left 
occupied  with  a  chupatty  or  a  cup  of  tea. 

Meanwhile,  amid  all  the  distracting  anxiety  and 
ever-haunting  sense  of  danger — and  even  the  nearness 
of  death  itself,  incident  to  such  circumstances — the 
current  of  human  passions — love,  jealousy  and  hate 
— continued  to  flow  undisturbed  by  the  storm  which 
was  raging  round  about. 

Edith   Ross  was  delayed  in   the   pursuit  of  her 


1 84  LOVE   BESIEGED 

policy  of  finesse  and  intrigue.  The  fierce  attack 
outside,  and  the  burden  of  work  thrown  upon  every 
man  within,  frustrated  her  plans.  For  two  days 
after  the  death  of  Sir  Henry  Lawrence  she  had  not 
seen  Jack  Hawke,  and  did  not  know  where  he  was 
stationed.  Neither  had  she  seen  Jean,  who  was 
lodged  in  the  house  of  Commissioner  Gubbins,  at  the 
south-west  angle  of  the  fortifications.  Mrs  Ross  was 
in  Dr  Fayrer's  garrison,  near  the  centre,  considered 
one  of  the  safest  places  within  the  walls. 

Accident  however  intervened  and  effected  what 
design  had  not  been  able  to  accomplish.  It  brought 
about  a  meeting  between  Jean  and  Hawke.  The 
latter  arrived  at  Gubbins'  house  on  the  morning  of 
the  6th,  with  stores  from  the  commissariat  The 
enemy's  fire  at  that  moment  was  unusually  fierce, 
and  it  was  marvellous  that  Hawke  had  escaped 
unhurt. 

When  he  arrived,  all  the  men  were  on  the  roof  and 
at  the  barricaded  upper  windows,  picking  off  any  of 
the  rebels  who  might  dare  to  show  themselves  and 
so  offer  opportunity.  Some  of  the  women  were 
doing  their  best  to  cook  under  very  adverse  circum- 
stances, and  others — among  them  Jean — were  at- 
tending upon  a  couple  of  wounded  men.  It  was  no 
longer  a  question  of  moving  the  wounded  to  the 
general  hospital.  Each  garrison  had  its  own  in- 
firmary, and  the  doctors  did  their  best  to  make 
daily  rounds. 

Jean  had  gone  into  one  of  the  lower  rooms  to  get 
water,  and  was  alone  when  Hawke  entered. 

Neither  expected  to  see  the  other,  and  both  were 
surprised.  Hawke's  eyes  lighted  up  with  a  fierce 
and  unrestrained  pleasure. 


HAWKE  TRIES   HIS   LUCK          185 

"  I'm  in  luck  this  morning,  Miss  Atherton,"  said 
he.  "I  didn't  expect  to  see  you  here.  I  heard  that 
most  of  the  ladies  had  left  the  Residency,  but  I 
didn't  know  how  you  had  been  distributed.  I  am 
glad  you're  with  Mr  Gubbins.  You'll  be  comfortable 
— and  safe,  I  hope.  As  safe,  that  is,"  he  added,  "  as 
we  can  expect  to  be  in  this  trap,  with  all  those 
raging  devils  round  us." 

"  Yes,  you've  all  been  very  good  to  us  poor  women, 
Captain  Hawke.  When  I  think  what  you  alone 
have  done,  and  what  you've  gone  through,  it  almost 
seems  as  if  you  bore  a  charmed  life." 

His  bronzed  cheeks  glowed  at  her  words.  His 
heavy  brow  lifted  ;  a  change  came  over  his  face. 

"Yon  think  of  me  sometimes,  then?"  said  he 
quickly.  "  That's  kind  indeed." 

His  eyes  sought  hers,  but  they  were  cast  down, 
Four  or  five  days  had  passed  over  since  he  had  seen 
her,  and  he  noticed  how  her  face — always  delicate 
and  refined — had  become,  so  to  speak,  etherealised. 
Anxiety  and  trouble,  and  constant  contact  with 
suffering,  had  accentuated  the  pure,  womanly  qualities 
in  her  nature  ;  and  while  she  was  not  less  lovely, 
sympathy,  tenderness,  and  rare  courage  transfigured 
her  beauty. 

"  I've  prayed  for  all  of  you.  What  else  can  we 
do  ?  "  she  replied. 

It  was  as  if  he  did  not  expect  her  to  reply,  for  he 
went  on  without  a  pause  : 

"If  we  can't  say  what  we  mean  and  speak  the 
truth  now,  we  never  shall.  No,  no — don't  leave  me  ! 
You  shall  not !  Ah,  my  God " 

His  glance  for  a  moment  had  wandered  through 
the  window.  The  next  instant  he  had  caught  her 


1 86  LOVE   BESIEGED 

in  his  arms  and  rushed  with  her  to  a  remote 
corner. 

An  explosion  within  the  room  deafened  them. 
The  black  acrid  smoke  was  suffocating.  A  shell  had 
burst.  When  the  atmosphere  became  somewhat 
clearer,  it  could  be  seen  that  a  table  close  to  which 
they  had  been  standing  in  the  centre  of  the  room 
was  shivered  to  fragments.  Had  they  remained 
three  seconds  longer  both  must  have  been  killed. 

"  Close  shave  !  "  said  Hawke  grimly. 

"  You  are  hurt !  "  she  cried,  trembling  convulsively. 

"Am  I  ?  Yes ;  you're  right.  Only  a  scratch, 
though.  Lend  me  your  handkerchief,  Jean." 

It  was  the  first  time  he  had  called  her  by  her 
Christian  name.  She  did  not  resent  it.  How  could 
she?  Hawke  had  just  saved  her  life.  Not  only  had 
he  snatched  her  up  as  the  shell  was  approaching 
the  window  but  he  stood  in  front  of  her  when  it 
exploded.  The  splinter  which  grazed  his  left  arm, 
but  for  his  intervention,  must  have  struck  her. 

With  agitated  fingers  she  bound  up  his  arm  with 
her  handkerchief,  he  meanwhile  holding  her  close  to 
him,  with  his  right  hand  around  her  waist. 

"  This  is  one  of  my  lucky  days ! "  he  cried  exult- 
antly. 

"  What  do  you  mean  ? "  she  faltered. 

"  Ah,  can't  you  understand  ?  Can't  you  see  that 
I  love  you — that  I'd  give  my  life  for  you?" 

She  was  so  agitated  she  knew  not  what  to  say. 
She  vainly  strove  to  release  herself.  The  shock 
caused  by  the  explosion  made  her  as  helpless  as 
a  child. 

"  Won't  you  give  me  one  word  of  encouragement  ?  " 
he  whispered  hoarsely. 


"Close  shave!"  said  Hawke  grimly. 


HAWKE   TRIES   HIS   LUCK         187 

"What  can  I  say?"  she  cried  piteously.  "Oh, 
why  did  you  tell  me  that — that  you  loved  me?" 

She  covered  her  face  with  her  hands. 

"  Why  not  ?  You  don't  despise  me,  do  you  ? 
You  didn't  do  so  when  you  had  reason — that  is,  if 
you  believed  what  you  were  told ;  and  why  should 
you  now?  I  know  I've  done  a  good  many  stupid 
things,  and  maybe  a  few  wicked  ones;  but  I  have 
never  done  anything  mean  or  shabby.  I  came  here 
a  bit  of  a  black  sheep,  but  none  of  the  fellows 
and  few  of  the  women  turn  their  backs  on  me 
now.  I've  won  over  even  the  sour  dowagers,  who 
looked  daggers  at  me  when  I  first  entered  the 
Residency.  What  is  it  that  has  kept  me  straight? 
Only  the  thought  that  some  day  you  might  think 
me  worthy  of  your  love.  I  thank  those  howling 
demons  outside.  They've  made  the  moments  so 
precious  we  can't  afford  to  lose  one  of  them.  My 
darling " 

"  I  can't — I  won't  listen  to  you,  Captain  Hawke  ! " 
she  cried.  "  It's  cruel  to  force  me  to  do  so." 

"Cruel!"  he  repeated  blankly.  "Why?  Is  it 
a  crime  for  me  to  love  you?  Are  you  not  free? 
Give  me  a  little  hope — the  hope  that  nerves  a  man's 
hand  and  steels  his  heart ;  the  hope  that  the  woman 
he  loves,  loves  him  in  return." 

"  Oh,  I  cannot — I  cannot ! "  she  exclaimed  brokenly. 
"  Don't  think  that  I  am  wanting  in  gratitude,  or  that 
I  do  not  admire  your  bravery,  but " 

"Gratitude — admiration!"  he  burst  out  passion- 
ately. "  It's  your  love  I  want — your  love — your  love! 
Your  love  alone !  " 

Jean  shrank  from  him.  He  had  made  not  a 
request  but  a  demand.  What  right  had  he  to  impose 


1 88  LOVE   BESIEGED 

his  will  upon  hers  ?  She  admitted  the  fascination  of 
his  personality,  but  love  ?  She  couldn't  tell. 

She  turned  and  would  have  escaped  had  he  not 
caught  her  by  the  wrist. 

"  Do  not  leave  me,"  he  said.  "  We  may  have  but 
a  few  hours  to  live.  Why  waste  those  few  brief 
hours  ?  " 

"  You  speak  for  yourself  alone,  and  that's  selfish. 
I  didn't  think  it  of  you.  Let  me  go." 

A  savage  look  came  into  his  eyes. 

"Tell  me  why  you  refuse  me.  Is  there  another 
more  fortunate  than  I  ?  " 

"You  have  no  right  to  question  me,"  cried  Jean 
with  heaving  bosom.  "  Let  me  go ! " 

He  relinquished  her  hand,  and  in  a  moment  she 
was  gone.  His  heavy  brows  were  drawn  together  till 
they  almost  met ;  the  lines  about  his  mouth  were 
deep  and  rigid ;  the  veins  in  his  temples  stood  out 
like  cords. 

He  stood  looking  awhile  at  the  shattered  contents 
of  the  room  in  a  stupefied,  dazed  kind  of  way.  Then 
his  broad  chest  rose  and  fell ;  a  deep  sigh  escaped 
him 

Kicking  the  debris  out  of  his  path,  he  crossed  the 
room  and  went  out  of  the  house,  taking  the  direction 
of  the  Cawnpore  battery,  which  was  about  seven 
hundred  yards  distant. 

Hawke  was  next  seen  by  some  of  the  men  in  the 
house  nearest  to  the  Cawnpore  battery  walking 
leisurely  along,  as  though  he  were  strolling  in  St 
James's  Park. 

"  Look  at  that  fellow  Hawke !  "  exclaimed  Lieuten- 
ant Dawson,  in  command  of  the  battery  for  the  day. 
"  Did  you  ever  see  such  a  cool  hand  ?  " 


HAWKE   TRIES   HIS   LUCK          189 

"  By  Jove ! "  cried  a  young  ensign  admiringly, 
'(  why,  he  doesn't  even  trouble  to  walk  in  the  shelter 
of  the  walls.  Fancy  him  choosing  the  middle  of  the 
road,  where  the  Pandies  can  see  him  !  " 

"  Humph  ! "  said  an  old  sergeant-major.  "  With 
all  respect  to  you,  sir,  I  call  that  foolhardiness.  He'd 
better  not  come  within  the  range  of '  Bob  the  Nailer,' 
or  he'll  never  take  another  stroll." 

"  Bob  the  Nailer "  was  the  name  given  by  the 
soldiers  to  the  negro  marksman  in  the  turret  of 
Johannes'  House. 

"Bob"  must  have  been  off  duty  just  then,  for 
Hawke  walked  without  interruption  to  the  house 
from  which  the  men  were  watching  him,  while  the 
bullets  flew  past  him  harmlessly. 

"  What  the  devil  did  you  do  that  for  ?  "  exclaimed 
Dawson,  half  angrily. 

"  Do  what  ?  "  said  Hawke,  scowling. 

"  Tempt  death  in  that  absurd  fashion.  It'll  come 
soon  enough,  I  reckon,  without  going  to  meet  it." 

"  Very  likely,"  said  Jack  indifferently.  "  I  want  a 
drink,  boys,  about  a  couple  of  '  pegs.' " 

"  You  can't  have  one.  There's  not  a  drop  of 
brandy  in  the  battery.  I'm  not  sorry  for  it,  either, 
for  your  sake,  Jack.  You've  kept  yourself  splendidly 
in  hand  since  you've  been  here.  Don't  slide  back,  for 
God's  sake." 

"  Go  to  the  devil !  I'm  dry,  I  tell  you.  What's  in 
these  bottles  ?  " 

"  Hock.     That  won't  hurt  you." 

"  Not  for  me.  I  can  see  something  that'll  suit  me 
better." 

He  crossed  the  room  and  seized  a  case  of  cham- 
pagne, He  broke  the  neck  off  a  bottle  and,  pouring 


190  LOVE  BESIEGED 

some  of  the  contents  into  a  mug,  almost  emptied  it 
at  a  draught.  The  house  belonged  to  a  brave  French- 
man named  Duprat,  a  merchant  who  did  good  suit 
and  service  throughout  the  siege.  He  was  possessed 
of  a  large  stock  of  wine,  of  which  he  made  generous 
use. 

"  That's  better  ! "  exclaimed  Hawke,  setting  down 
the  mug  with  a  thump.  "  Hand  me  an  Enfield, 
Dawson,  and  I'll  go  up  aloft  and  try  conclusions  with 
'  Bob  the  Nailer.'  I'd  give  something  to  be  able  to 
put  a  bullet  through  his  ugly  black  skull." 

"You  won't  do  that,"  returned  Dawson.  "The 
scoundrel's  far  too  knowing.  He's  winged  five  of  our 
fellows  this  morning.  By  the  way,  what's  brought 
you  here?  You're  not  on  duty  to-day." 

"  I  know  that  as  well  as  you  do.  But  I  suppose  I 
may  as  well  pot  a  Pandy  or  two  from  the  roof  of 
Duprat's  house  as  anyone  else." 

He  seized  a  rifle,  provided  himself  with  a  stock  of 
cartridges,  and  disappeared. 

"  Something's  gone  wrong  with  Hawke,"  muttered 
Dawson,  when  he  was  gone.  "  I  know  him  of  old. 
Looks  as  if  he  were  going  to  break  out  again.  By 
Jove  !  he's  like  a  tiger  when  he  gets  a  little  drink  in 
him.  The  odd  thing  is,  he's  been  quiet  for  so  long. 
What's  kept  him  sober,  I  wonder  ? " 

The  gunners  who  had  been  serving  the  eight 
and  nine  pounders  in  the  battery  came  off  duty  for 
a  brief  space  at  this  moment.  They  brought  in 
one  of  their  comrades  mortally  wounded.  The 
poor  fellow  breathed  his  last  in  about  a  quarter 
of  an  hour. 

"  That  cursed  nigger's  work  again  !  "  growled  one 
of  the  artillery  men.  "We  ought  to  make  a  rush  for 


HAWKE  TRIES   HIS   LUCK         191 

that  house,  and  blow  it  to  the  devil !  I'm  game  to 
make  one  for  a  try." 

"You'll  have  a  chance,  Joe  Garret,  before  long," 
said  his  commanding  officer  encouragingly. 

In  half-an-hour's  time  Hawke  made  his  reappear- 
ance. He  leaned  his  rifle  against  the  wall  with  an 
air  of  disgust. 

"  Dawson,"  said  he,  "  this  is  beastly  slow  work. 
I'm  not  in  the  mood  for  playing  hide-and-seek 
behind  chimneypots.  I  want  waking  up.  What  do 
you  say  to  walking  over  to  Johannes'  House  and 
driving  the  beggars  out  ?  " 

"  Don't  be  a  fool !  Look  here,  old  chap,"  said 
Dawson,  suddenly  lowering  his  voice,  "  if  you'll  keep 
your  mouth  shut,  I'll  let  you  into  a  secret.  Sam 
Lawrence,  Green,  and  Studdy  are  coming  over  here 
at  midnight.  We've  settled  upon  a  sortie  at  daybreak, 
and  you  can  join  us." 

"Good!  I'm  your  man.  Pass  me  that  bottle  of 
champagne." 

"  You've  had  enough,  you  fool ! " 

"  Enough  or  not,  I'm  going  to  empty  that  bottle.'' 

And  empty  it  he  did,  with  an  air  of  stubbornness 
which  showed  that  opposition  was  useless. 

"  I  can't  do  much  good  here,"  said  he,  "  I'm  off  to 
the  Residency.  I'm  in  the  humour  for  hard  work.  I 
hear  they're  mining  near  the  Water  Gate.  Two  or 
three  hours  with  the  pick  would  suit  me  just  now. 
You'll  see  me  here  again  at  midnight" 

"Right.  But,  Hawke,  for  heaven's  sake  don't 
breathe  a  word  about  the  sortie.  It  doesn't  do  to  open 
one's  mouth  too  wide.  Those  scoundrels  outside 
get  to  know  all  our  business  somehow  almost  before 
we  know  it  ourselves." 


192  LOVE  BESIEGED 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know  what  I  do  mean  exactly,  but  I 
know  this — there  are  any  number  of  spies  inside  the 
fortifications,  and  you  can't  be  too  careful." 

"  Oh,  I'll  be  careful  enough.  Spies  ?  I  should  like 
to  meet  one.  He'd  spy  no  more." 

Hawke  threw  on  his  cap,  with  a  reckless,  devil- 
may-care  air.  The  effect  of  the  Champagne  was 
beginning  to  show  itself.  He  stalked  off,  humming 
a  snatch  of  song,  but  with  an  angry  glare  in  his  eyes 
belying  his  apparent  joyousness. 

The  lieutenant  was  quite  right  in  warning  Hawke 
to  be  cautious  as  to  what  he  said  about  the  intended 
sortie.  Already  an  uneasy  feeling  had  arisen  in  more 
than  one  of  the  garrisons  that  there  was  treachery 
at  work  somewhere,  and,  strange  to  say,  it  was  not 
merely  the  natives  who  were  suspected.  No  doubt 
the  idea  that  there  were  Europeans  who  sided  with 
the  rebels  arose  from  the  undoubted  fact  that  a 
European  officer  led  the  native  cavalry  in  the  affair 
at  Chinhut. 

When  Dawson  warned  Hawke  the  uneasiness 
was  only  just  beginning.  It  increased  from  day 
to  day. 

Hawke  reached  the  Residency  in  safety.  He  did 
not  trouble  to  avail  himself  of  the  protection  the  walls 
of  the  houses  afforded,  but  as  his  road  lay  through  the 
centre  of  the  fortifications  he  was  not  much  exposed 
to  the  fire  of  the  enemy  His  object  was  to  see 
Colonel  Inglis,  who  was  now  in  command. 

To  get  to  the  Residency  he  had  to  pass  Dr  Fayrer's 
house,  and  here  at  one  of  the  windows  sat  Edith  Ross, 
watching.  It  was  her  only  chance  of  seeing  the 
object  of  her  infatuation.  Directly  she  caught  sight 


HAWKE   TRIES   HIS   LUCK         193 

of  him,  she  flew  down  to  the  entrance  and  ran  out 
panting. 

"  Jack — Jack  ! "  she  cried  excitedly.  "  Don't  go  by 
without  speaking  to  me.  I've  been  worrying  lest 
something  should  have  happened.  I've  heard  nothing 
of  you  for  two  days  ! " 

Hawke  looked  at  her  in  a  dazed  sort  of  way.  He 
was  in  no  mood  to  be  thwarted.  And  yet  Edith 
Ross  at  that  moment  looked  unusually  attractive  to 
a  man  of  an  excitable  temperament.  Her  mobile 
lips  were  slightly  parted,  her  dark  lustrous  eyes 
scintillated  with  abnormal  brilliancy.  Her  olive 
cheeks  were  tempered  by  a  warmth  of  tint  rarely  seen 
upon  them. 

"  Your  anxiety  is  flattering,"  he  said,  with  a  covert 
sneer,  "but  you  have  no  need  to  worry  upon  my 
account." 

A  gleam  of  malice  shot  into  her  eyes  for  a 
moment,  and  then  as  quickly  disappeared. 

"You're  not  yourself,  Jack,"  she  said.  "What  is 
the  matter  ?  "  And  then — a  bow  drawn  at  a  venture, 
a  bolt  from  the  blue — "  Has  Jean  Atherton  refused 
you  ?  " 

Hawke  staggered  back  a  pace. 

"  What  if  she  has,  it  is  no  concern  of  yours,  and  I 
have  not  done  with  her  yet !  " 

"  Fool ! "  she  said,  with  scorn  and  contempt  in  her 
voice.  "  Can  you  not  see  that  she  loves  another  ? " 

"  Another !  "  he  gasped.  "  Who  is  he  and  where 
may  he  be  found  ?  " 

"  In  London,  to  be  sure — an  early  love,  a  love 
that  the  sea  cannot  drown  nor  time  alter." 

He  turned  from  her  roughly,  but  she  clung  to  him 
and  implored  him  to  stay  ;  he  flung  her  from  him  and 


i94  LOVE   BESIEGED 

strode  off  with  an  unsteady  gait,  the  storm  and 
passion  within  him  harmonising  with  the  rage  and 
fire  without. 

Some  hours  of  sapping  duty  tamed  and  sobered 
him,  a  short  interval  of  sleep  refreshed  him,  and  at 
midnight  he  was  to  time  at  Mr  Duprat's  house. 


CHAPTER   XIII 

THE   FIRST    SORTIE — "BOB    THE    NAILER" 

IN  Duprat's  house  Hawke  found  Captain  Sam 
Lawrence,  Ensign  Green,  and  Ensign  Studdy,  all  of 
the  32nd.  Hawke  and  a  dozen  or  so  of  the  soldiers 
were  to  make  up  the  party. 

"The  plan  is  this,"  said  Lawrence.  "A  surprise 
raid,  blast  open  the  door,  and  do  the  rest  with 
sword,  bayonet  and  pistol.  Never  mind  the  others 
if  we  smash  up  '  Bob  the  Nailer. ' " 

Noiselessly  they  stole  out,  and  crossed  the  inter- 
vening space  between  Duprat's  house  and  the  wall, 
and  then  one  by  one  they  scaled  the  mud  works  and 
dropped  on  the  other  side.  Lawrence  himself  carried 
the  bag  of  powder  to  burst  the  door — he  would  trust 
it  to  no  one  else. 

It  was  scarcely  light.  The  idea  of  the  sortie  party 
was  to  take  the  natives  inside  the  house  unawares, 
the  chances  being  that  the  report  of  the  explosion 
at  the  door  would  pass  unnoticed  amid  the  thunder 
going  on  all  round. 

In  pursuit  of  this  plan  a  line  of  dark  figures  crept 
stealthily  across  the  intervening  ground.  Lawrence 
approached  the  door  and  placed  the  charge  against 
its  lower  portion.  Then  he  struck  a  match,  and 
a  little  dull,  red  spark  of  light  began  to  travel  slowly 
along  the  fuse. 

Meanwhile   Lawrence  returned   to  his  comrades, 


196  LOVE   BESIEGED 

and  all  waited — waited  with  faces  grim  and  stern, 
with  iron  fingers  gripping  sword  and  rifle. 

The  interval  between  placing  the  bag  of  gunpowder 
at  the  door  and  the  explosion  was  probably  not  five 
minutes.  It  seemed  like  five  hours.  Suddenly 
there  was  a  flash  and  a  report.  The  men  sprang 
forward,  Captain  Sam  Lawrence  at  their  head,  and 
dashed  into  the  house. 

In  the  lower  part  were  a  score  of  sepoys  lying 
asleep.  The  noise  of  the  blasting  of  the  door  had 
failed  to  arouse  them.  What  was  one  report  among 
so  many,  even  though  it  were  a  little  louder  than 
the  rest?  The  first  man  was  bayoneted  as  he  lay, 
but  he  had  time  to  give  the  alarm  before  he  expired. 
Then  followed  a  wild  tumult.  The  sepoys,  panic- 
stricken,  and  scarcely  able  to  seize  their  muskets 
before  their  assailants  were  on  them  like  wild  cats, 
were  slaughtered  to  a  man. 

While  this  was  going  on,  Captain  Lawrence  and 
Hawke  crept  upstairs  to  the  turret.  There  sat 
"  Bob  the  Nailer,"  wholly  unconscious  of  their 
approach,  engaged  in  returning  a  fire  specially 
directed  by  the  men  in  the  Cawnpore  battery  to 
divert  his  attention. 

He  had  just  pulled  the  trigger  when  Hawke 
rushed  at  him.  Almost  before  he  could  realise  what 
had  happened  he  was  a  dead  man.  It  was  life  for 
life,  for  Bob's  last  shot,  delivered  almost  at  the 
moment  of  death,  killed  one  of  the  32nd  who  had 
foolishly  put  his  head  over  the  mud  wall  to  see 
how  the  sortie  was  progressing. 

"  Not  a  bad  morning's  work ! "  cried  Lawrence 
exultingly.  "  We've  got  rid  of  '  Bob  the  Nailer,' 
and  that's  as  good  as  despatching  a  hundred  Pandies." 


THE   FIRST   SORTIE  197 

"And  we'll  have  to  do  that  besides,"  exclaimed 
Hawke,  "  unless  we  clear  out  sharp.  Look  yonder ! " 

About  five  hundred  yards  away  a  couple  of 
hundred  sepoys  were  advancing  at  the  double.  The 
news  of  the  capture  of  Johannes'  House  had  become 
known. 

"  Get  back,  my  lads — get  back  quick  ! "  shouted 
Lawrence  through  the  turret  doorway,  spotting  the 
danger  at  once. 

The  two  men  dashed  down  the  stairs,  met  the  rest 
of  the  party  coming  up,  turned  them  back,  and  all 
rushed  helter-skelter  out  of  the  house,  crossed  the 
intervening  space,  and  were  over  the  mud  wall  into 
the  battery  before  the  hurrying  sepoys  had  an 
opportunity  of  getting  a  fair  shot  at  them.  A  few 
bullets  whistled  over  their  heads,  but  that  was  all. 

It  was  a  gallant  exploit,  and  Sam  Lawrence 
obtained  the  Victoria  Cross  for  his  share.  The 
sortie  was  not  unattended  by  loss,  for  one  man  was 
killed  in  the  scrimmage  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
house.  Unfortunately  the  building  was  left  stand- 
ing. There  was  not  time  to  blow  it  up,  and  it  was 
speedily  occupied  by  sharpshooters.  But  there  was 
no  one  to  replace  "  Bob  the  Nailer." 

The  party  returned  triumphant,  and  Duprat,  in 
honour  of  the  occasion,  brought  out  half-a-dozen 
bottles  of  champagne.  As  before,  Hawke  drank 
heavily.  The  restraint  he  had  put  upon  himself 
once  broken  down  could  not  be  restored  in  a 
moment.  He  was  one  of  those  who  could  abstain, 
but  could  not  be  moderate. 

"  Haven't  you  got  anything  stronger  than  this, 
Duprat,  old  boy  ? "  he  exclaimed.  "  What  about 
that  fine  cognac  of  yours,  eh?" 


198  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Duprat  had,  when  the  siege  began,  a  stock  of 
brandy,  most  of  which  he  had  sold  in  exchange  for 
valuable  gems.  Coins  were  very  scarce  in  the  early 
days  of  the  trouble  in  Lucknow,  and  after  the 
residents  were  shut  up  few  had  any  ready  money. 
So  inside  the  Residency  fortifications  gold  and 
silver  became  very  scarce,  and  jewels  in  many  cases 
were  the  circulating  medium. 

"Very  little  left,"  replied  Duprat,  "and  I'm  not 
going  to  bring  it  out  now.  We'll  keep  the  brandy 
for  the  wounded,  my  boy." 

"Oh,  that's  all  right.  I  didn't  know  how  much 
you  sold.  I  suppose  you  made  a  pretty  penny,  eh  ?  " 

There  was  a  suspicion  of  a  sneer  in  Hawke's 
voice.  Duprat,  who  was  a  high-spirited  man,  flushed 
a  little  angrily. 

"  I  don't  see  what  business  it  is  of  yours,  Captain 
Hawke.  I  don't  sell  my  champagne  anyhow ;  you 
seem  to  have  forgotten  that." 

The  retort  went  home.  Hawke  had  drunk  four 
or  five  times  as  much  as  any  of  the  rest.  He  started 
to  his  feet. 

Hawke's  hand  wandered  over  his  forehead.  He 
was  conscious  he  had  drunk  too  much,  and  muttering 
incoherently  he  went  out  of  the  house. 

"That  sunstroke  did  the  poor  fellow  no  good," 
said  Lawrence  when  he  was  gone.  "  You  must  make 
allowances  for  that,  Duprat.  As  a  rule,  Hawke  is 
quiet  and  well  behaved  enough." 

"  I  understand  perfectly,"  said  Duprat.  "  It  is 
a  pity.  He  is  a  brave  man." 

"  Yes  ;  but  a  fool  when  he  takes  too  much.  He'd 
insult  his  best  friend  then." 

They  watched  him   walking  with   unsteady  gait 


THE   FIRST   SORTIE  199 

in  the  direction  of  Gubbins'  garrison,  and  thought 
he  was  going  there ;  but  he  did  not  get  as  far.  He 
went  into  the  brigade  mess-house,  then  occupied  by 
some  of  the  32nd.  The  soldiers  there  saw  that  he 
had  been  drinking,  and  envied  him. 

Some  men  when  they  have  drunk  too  much 
instinctively  seek  the  society  of  their  inferiors. 
Drink  invariably  lowered  Hawke's  nature.  His 
animalism  became  uppermost.  He  grew  confidential 
with  the  soldiers,  and,  led  on  by  one  or  two  of  the 
more  cunning  of  the  men,  told  where  he  had  obtained 
the  liquor,  and  expatiated  on  the  quantity  left 
behind. 

A  meaning  look  was  exchanged  between  the 
listeners — a  look  which  was  to  bear  fruit  within 
twenty-four  hours. 

Hawke  had  some  tobacco  with  him,  and  this  he 
distributed.  While  the  party  were  smoking  and 
telling  stories — more  or  less  of  the  barrack-room 
kind — the  officer  in  command  entered.  He  cast 
one  look  round  the  room,  and  shouted  angrily : 

"  Can't  you  find  a  better  use  for  your  hands  than 
holding  pipes,  you  lazy  scoundrels?  Who  the  devil 
is  this  ?  Hawke !  Upon  my  honour,  it's  too  bad 
of  you.  There  are  some  men  in  this  room  ready 
enough  to  skulk,  without  any  assistance  from  their 
officers." 

"What's  it  matter?"  growled  Hawke,  with  a 
fierce  twist  of  his  moustache.  "  We're  bound  to  peg 
out — all  of  us.  Who  cares  whether  it's  to-day  or 
to-morrow  ?  Take  it  easy  while  we're  here." 

"  Don't  be  a  fool,"  answered  the  officer  sharply. 
"You  wouldn't  talk  such  nonsense  if  you  were  sober." 

Hawke  scowled,  but  did  not  look  up.     The  men 


200  LOVE   BESIEGED 

were  silent,  and  their  glances  wandered  from  one 
officer  to  another.  At  last  Hawke  rose,  and  held 
out  his  hand.  The  words  of  Captain  Allison  had 
sobered  him. 

Allison  turned  his  back.  He  had  good  reason  for 
being  seriously  annoyed  with  Hawke. 

"  Is  this  a  cut,  Allison  ?  "  said  Hawke  sullenly. 

Allison  was  a  good-natured  fellow.  He  turned 
round  after  a  pause  and  took  the  proffered  hand. 

"  I  don't  want  to  say  too  much  before  the  men, 
Jack,"  he  said  in  a  low  voice.  "  But,  confound  it !  I 
was  in  the  mind  to  talk  to  you  pretty  straight 
I've  had  no  end  of  trouble  with  my  fellows  to  keep 
them  in  order,  and  your  coming  here  won't  do  them 
any  good." 

"  I'm  awfully  sorry,  old  chap,"  said  Hawke 
penitently.  "  Fact  is,  I've  had  a  drop  too  much, 
and " 

"You  needn't  tell  me  that,"  interposed  Allison 
abruptly.  "  I  hope  you  didn't  let  out  to  the  men 
where  you  got  it  ?  " 

"  Not  I,"  said  Hawke. 

In  saying  this  he  spoke  conscientiously  ;  but,  as 
a  matter  of  fact,  he  had  quite  forgotten  the  conver- 
sation he  had  had  with  the  soldiers. 

"  Where  are  you  going  ?  " 

"  The  old  job — mining." 

"  Best  thing  you  can  do,"  returned  Allison  shortly. 

Hawke  went  out,  and  Allison,  after  rating  the  men 
severely,  despatched  them  to  Anderson's  garrison  on 
the  east  side  of  the  fortifications,  against  which  at 
that  moment  a  severe  cannonade  was  being  directed 

When  dawn  broke  the  following  morning  it  was 
discovered  that  Duprat's  house  had  been  raided,  and 


THE   FIRST   SORTIE  201 

the  cellar  despoiled  of  a  good  quantity  of  its  store 
of  wine. 

By  a  singular  coincidence,  also,  about  a  dozen  of 
the  32nd  were  gloriously  drunk.  Allison  did  not 
betray  Hawke,  but  he  had  little  doubt  that  Jack  had 
been  the  connecting  link. 

On  the  robbery  becoming  known  to  Colonel 
Inglis,  he  ordered  the  stores  to  be  removed,  and 
Duprat's  house  to  be  turned  into  a  post  for  purely 
defensive  purposes.  It  was  no  longer  tenable  for 
a  residence,  owing  to  the  incessant  firing  poured  into 
the  Cawnpore  battery,  which  it  backed,  and  Duprat 
joined  Gubbins'  garrison. 

The  Frenchman  had  served  as  a  Chasseur 
d'Afrique  in  Algeria,  and  was  a  jovial,  energetic, 
vivacious  fellow,  much  liked  by  everyone. 

Duprat  possessed  a  large  bore  heavy  rifle,  which  he 
used  with  considerable  skill,  and  his  energy  during 
the  night  alarms,  which  the  enemy  constantly  prac- 
tised on  the  besieged,  amounted  to  almost  drollery. 

The  mutineers  would  cluster  round  the  works 
surrounding  Mr  Gubbins'  house,  shouting  what 
appeared  to  be  their  war-cry — "  AH  !  AH  !  "  oft 
repeated,  and  calling  upon  each  other  to  advance, 
with  the  words :  "  Chulo  bahadon  ! "  ("  Advance, 
ye  brave ! ") 

On  these  occasions,  Duprat,  exposing  himself 
more  than  was  prudent,  would  yell  back  defiance  at 
them  at  the  top  of  his  voice :  "  Come  on,  ye  brave ! 
ye  rascals,  cowards,  scoundrels ! "  An  emphatic 
rejoinder  which  generally  provoked  a  discharge  of 
musketry  and  matchlock  balls  in  return. 

On  one  of  these  occasions  he  received  a  musket- 
ball  full  in  the  face.  It  did  not  kill  him,  and  for  a 


202  LOVE   BESIEGED 

time  it  appeared  as  though  he  would  recover ;  but  it 
was  not  to  be,  and  he  shared  the  fate  of  many 
another  gallant  fellow. 

As  a  rule,  the  rebels'  batteries  were  very  well 
placed,  some  guns  being  put  in  position  within  sixty 
yards  of  the  defences.  Where  the  defenders'  artil- 
lery could  reach  the  enemy's  guns  it  never  failed  in 
soon  silencing  them  ;  but  the  sepoys  were  so  clever 
in  placing  their  batteries  that  oftentimes  no  gun 
from  within  the  walls  could  be  brought  to  bear  upon 
them. 

Sometimes  they  kept  their  gun  concealed  behind 
the  corner  of  a  building,  ran  it  out,  fired,  and  im- 
mediately retired  before  the  shot  could  be  returned, 
the  gun  being  dragged  back  by  ropes. 

In  other  places  the  gun  was  kept  at  the  bottom 
of  an  inclined  plane,  to  the  top  of  which  it  was 
dragged  to  be  fired,  when  the  recoil  ran  it  down  into 
its  place  again. 

They  had  scores  of  dodges.  All  that  they  were 
deficient  in  was  bravery.  As  soon  as  the  siege 
began  they  commenced  making,  along  such  thorough- 
fares as  were  exposed  to  the  fire  from  the  fortifica- 
cations,  screens  of  wooden  palisades  placed  in  a 
bank  of  earth.  The  roads  and  passages  were  every- 
where intersected  by  ditches  and  trenches. 

Their  batteries  were  usually  formed  of  strong 
rafters  of  wood  stuck  upright  and  deeply  embedded 
in  the  ground,  and  strengthened  and  supported  by  a 
bank  of  earth,  a  square  enclosure  being  left  in  the 
centre  for  the  muzzle  of  the  cannon. 

A  large  number  of  their  roundshot  passed  over 
the  positions  at  certain  points  altogether,  and 
plunged  into  the  buildings  occupied  by  the  muti- 


THE   FIRST   SORTIE  203 

neers  themselves  on  the  opposite  side.  Sometimes, 
however,  they  contrived,  by  using  small  charges  of 
powder,  to  lob  in  their  shot  very  cleverly  inside  the 
defences. 

But  they  could  not  stand  shells,  and  the  howitzers 
of  the  besieged  at  first  did  great  execution,  but  not 
so  much  afterwards.  The  reason  was  the  sepoys 
dug  narrow  trenches  ten  feet  deep  near  their  guns, 
into  which  they  could  at  once  spring  when  they 
saw  a  shell  approaching. 

Within  a  fortnight  after  Chinhut  the  enemy  had 
established  batteries  all  round  the  fortifications ;  but 
at  the  south-west  corner,  where  Mr  Gubbins'  house 
was  situated,  they  for  a  long  time  only  had  one 
field-piece,  and  for  this  reason  Jean  and  the  other 
ladies  who  were  with  her  were  comparatively  safe, 
though  they  never  dared  go  out  by  day. 

The  time  went  slowly  with  the  poor  women,  pent 
up  as  they  were  and  utterly  ignorant  of  what  was 
going  on.  News,  of  course,  was  brought  them  at 
intervals,  but  there  were  occasions  when  they  scarcely 
cared  to  know  what  the  besieged  and  besiegers  were 
doing.  They  were  only  interested  in  the  prospects 
of  "  relief."  A  dull  sense  of  wearisome  monotony 
oppressed  them,  maybe  partly  induced  by  the  never- 
ceasing  sound  of  artillery  and  musketry  firing, 
which  after  a  while  seemed  to  deaden  the  brain. 

The  only  occurrences  which  varied  in  any  way 
the  usual  course  of  things  were  the  occasional 
attacks  of  the  enemy. 

There  was  something  very  grand  and  exciting 
about  these  when  they  suddenly  commenced  in  the 
dead  of  night,  or  rather,  after  their  commencement, 
when  the  firing  was  just  at  its  height.  The  women 


204  LOVE   BESIEGED 

then  would  jump  out  of  bed  and  run  into  the 
verandah,  and  stay  there  during  these  attacks,  until 
sometimes  warned  back  by  a  stray  bullet  falling  at 
their  feet,  or  striking  the  wall  or  doorway  above 
their  heads. 

The  days  passed,  each  adding  to  the  melancholy 
list  of  wounded,  dying  or  dead.  During  this  time 
Jean  saw  nothing  of  Hawke,  and  she  was  glad  he 
had  taken  to  heart  her  injunction  not  to  seek  to 
see  her.  She  felt  a  meeting  would  be  embarrassing. 

The  intensity  of  his  passion  frightened  her,  and 
at  first  she  felt  a  vague  dread  creep  over  her  when 
she  thought  of  the  incident  which  had  led  to  his 
taking  her  in  his  arms.  How  tightly  he  had  clasped 
her,  just  as  though  he  had  made  up  his  mind 
nothing  but  death  should  part  them !  Her  face 
burned  when  she  thought  of  it.  Yet  she  could  not 
be  angry.  Had  he  not  saved  her  life  ?  Besides,  he 
committed  no  crime  in  loving  her. 

As  time  went  on,  and  she  saw  nothing  of  him, 
her  feeling  of  dread  gradually  disappeared.  She 
did  not  know  that  scarcely  a  day  passed  that  he 
did  not  creep  to  the  house  and  assure  himself  of  her 
safety.  He  had  seen  her  more  than  once  when  at 
night  she  came  out  to  take  the  only  exercise  she 
could  venture  upon  without  risk.  He  tried  to  be 
glad  that  she  had  so  far  escaped  injury,  but  in 
reality  the  sight  of  her  gave  him  no  comfort,  it  only 
fanned  the  fire  of  his  passion. 

Sometimes,  in  the  wild  tumult  of  emotion,  a 
fierce  joy  filled  his  heart  when  he  thought  that  his 
rival,  the  man  whom  she  loved,  might  never  see 
her  again. 

"If  she  were  killed — yes,  if  she  were  killed,"  he 


THE   FIRST   SORTIE  205 

muttered,  in  the  anguish  of  his  spirit,  "  it  would  end 
this  torture." 

And  then  he  would  curse  himself  for  his  wicked- 
ness. To  die  painlessly  as  many  had  died  in  that 
terrible  time,  struck  down  in  a  second,  was  one 
thing ;  to  die  after  hours,  and  maybe  days,  of  suffer- 
ing, another.  That  might  be  her  fate. 

"  Inhuman  brute  I  am,"  he  groaned,  "  to  wish  her 
to  endure  a  single  moment  of  pain  ! " 

One  moonlight  night  he  saw  her,  motionless  and 
statuesque,  looking  to  his  fervid  fancy  like  an  angel 
of  peace,  and  he  marvelled  that  the  musketry  fire, 
the  boom  of  the  guns,  the  crash  of  shot  against  brick 
and  stone,  and  the  sharp  patter  of  bullets  on  wall, 
roof,  and  pavement,  did  not  cease  at  her  presence. 

He  was  hidden  in  the  doorway  of  a  house  opposite, 
and  could  watch  her  without  being  seen.  He  was 
strangely  tempted  to  speak  to  her,  but  a  fear  re- 
strained him — the  fear  that,  if  she  knew  he  came 
there  to  watch  her,  these  stolen  moments  of  mingled 
pain  and  pleasure  would  end. 

He  always  waited  till  she  disappeared,  and  then, 
like  a  man  from  whom  life  had  fled,  crept  back  to 
some  of  the  mining  operations  which  were  always 
going  on. 

The  sepoys,  although  cowardly  in  direct  attack, 
and  with  no  stomach  for  hand-to-hand  fighting, 
proved  themselves  able  and  persevering  in  the 
construction  of  mines.  The  skill  and  science  they 
showed  lent  colour  to  the  belief  that  Europeans  with 
a  knowledge  of  engineering  guided  them.  Indeed, 
had  not  the  garrison  possessed  engineers  of  remark- 
able ability  the  repeated  attacks  of  the  enemy  must 
eventually  have  proved  successful. 


206  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Captain  Fulton,  who  constructed  and  had  charge 
of  the  Redan  battery,  was  a  host  in  himself.  He 
organised  a  small  body  of  miners,  comprising  a  few 
Cornishmen  (the  32nd  were  raised  in  Cornwall),  and 
some  Sikhs.  Fulton  would  pass  whole  hours  in  a 
cramped  attitude,  lying  at  the  end  of  a  narrow 
subterranean  passage,  during  the  stifling  heat  of  an 
Indian  July,  listening  to  the  enemy's  miners  coming 
nearer  and  nearer,  until  their  pickaxes  actually  pierced 
the  gallery  and  exposed  the  disconcerted  workmen 
to  the  view  and  ready  pistol  of  the  solitary  sentinel. 

On  this  particular  moonlight  night  Hawke  walked 
straight  to  the  Redan  battery.  Since  the  raid  upon 
the  wine  stores  in  Duprat's  house  he  had  pulled 
himself  together,  but  this  was  not  entirely  due 
to  his  own  efforts.  He  might  have  dropped  entirely 
into  his  old  ways  but  for  the  fact  that,  after  Colonel 
Inglis  took  the  precaution  of  securing  Duprat's 
stock,  anything  beyond  what  was  served  out  by  the 
commissariat  department  was  difficult  to  obtain. 

But  the  craving  remained  with  Hawke  though  he 
was  unable  to  satisfy  it,  and  if  the  opportunity 
presented  itself  there  was  little  doubt  he  would 
break  out  again.  At  least,  so  said  those  who  knew 
him  best. 


CHAPTER   XIV 

A  HOT  ATTACK — THE  CRISIS  OF  THE   SIEGE 

As  Hawke  entered  the  timber  and  mud  shelter— it 
was  little  better — of  the  Redan  battery,  Captain 
Fulton,  dusty  and  grimy,  met  him. 

"You're  just  the  man  I  want,  Jack,"  exclaimed 
Fulton.  "  Those  devils,  I  am  sure,  are  at  work,  and 
I  haven't  found  out  where." 

"  If  you  can't  discover,  Fulton,  no  one  can,"  said 
Hawke. 

"  I've  been  three  hours  on  the  watch,  and  I  feel 
played  out.  I  want  you  to  take  my  place,  because 
you  know  something  of  mining.  I'd  rather  not  send 
a  new  hand  on  so  important  a  job." 

Fulton  was  quite  right.  It  is  not  a  very  easy 
matter  for  one  unpractised  in  the  work  to  reach  the 
end  of  a  mine  where  he  is  to  be  stationed.  The 
shaft  of  a  Lucknow  mine  was  generally  not  less  than 
twelve  feet  deep.  On  reaching  the  bottom  the 
sapper  had  to  crawl  on  his  hands  and  knees  till  the 
narrowing  of  the  passage  compelled  him  to  stretch 
himself  at  full  length,  and  he  had  to  wriggle  on  worm 
fashion  as  best  he  could. 

Having  arrived  at  the  end,  the  sapper  remained 
perfectly  still  and  would  probably  hear  a  faint  noise 
which,  if  he  were  a  novice,  would,  to  his  inexperienced 
and  bewildered  ear,  sound  suspicious.  Then  he 
would  hastily  wriggle  out  of  the  mine  to  report  his 
207 


208  LOVE   BESIEGED 

observations,  much  to  the  disgust  of  a  more  practised 
hand,  who,  of  course,  would  be  immediately  sent 
down,  to  return  with  the  report  that  there  was 
nothing  going  on.  Such  noises  simply  existed  in  the 
imagination. 

"  Very  well,"  said  Hawke  carelessly.  "  How  long 
is  my  '  turn '  to  last  ?  " 

"  I  can't  give  you  less  than  two  hours." 

"  Oh,  all  right  I'm  entitled  to  a  drink,  I  suppose, 
before  I  go  on  duty  ?  " 

"  You  can  have  a  bottle  of  beer,"  said  Fulton 
impatiently ;  "  but  if  I  were  you  I'd  have  it  after- 
wards." 

"  Yes — but  you're  not  me,  old  fellow.  I'll  take  it 
now,  please." 

Some  five  or  ten  minutes  were  over  before  Hawke 
was  ready  to  descend.  He  had  stripped  himself  to 
his  shirt  and  trousers,  and  had  just  laid  hold  of  the 
rope  tied  to  a  beam  in  the  roof,  preparatory  to 
lowering  himself,  when  Lennard  hastily  entered. 

"  I've  come  straight  from  Gubbins',"  said  he,  with 
unwonted  excitement  in  his  manner. 

Hawke  let  go  the  rope  and  turned  towards  the 
surgeon. 

"What  is  it?"  he  exclaimed.  "Has  anything 
happened  to — to  any  of  the  women  ?  " 

"  No,  thank  heaven,  they're  all  safe." 

"  But  you  have  some  news  ? " 

"  Yes.  Ungad,  Gubbins'  messenger,  has  just  come 
from  Cawnpore.  He  brings  a  letter  from  Colonel 
Tytler.  Havelock  has  fought  his  way  to  Cawnpore. 
He  has  force  enough  with  him  to  defeat  the  rebels. 
His  troops  are  crossing  the  river,  and  he  hopes  to  be 
in  Lucknow  in  five  or  six  days.  Think  of  it !  " 


A  HOT  ATTACK  209 

In  a  moment  all  was  joy  and  excitement.  The 
men  shook  hands  with  each  other,  one  or  two  threw 
up  their  caps,  and  Fulton  shouted  a  stentorious 
hurrah  that  might  have  been  heard  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  away. 

Hawke  alone  was  silent.  The  intelligence  did  not 
cheer  him.  It  suddenly  flashed  across  his  mind  that 
if  the  siege  were  raised,  and  the  defenders  rescued, 
Jean  would  be  separated  from  him.  His  only  chance 
of  gaining  her  lay  in  the  abnormal  circumstances  in 
which  they  were  placed.  The  terrors  of  the  situation, 
the  common  danger  to  which  they  were  exposed,  the 
suffering  and  privation,  had  put  all  upon  an  equality. 
Even  that  which  divides  class  from  class — money — 
was  gone. 

This  was  not  the  worst.  The  old  state  of  things 
restored,  once  more  he  would  be  Jack  Hawke  the 
reprobate,  the  dissolute  fellow  with  a  shady  reputa- 
tion. A  dark  cloud  stole  over  his  face  as  he  thought 
of  it. 

In  the  general  exultation  no  one  noticed  his 
abstraction.  He  stood  apart,  his  arms  folded,  his 
eyes  bent  on  the  ground. 

Meanwhile  Lennard  was  relating  to  a  little  crowd 
of  eager  listeners  how  Ungad  had  arrived.  The 
sepoy,  with  great  daring,  had,  it  appeared,  penetrated 
the  lines  of  the  besiegers,  and  made  his  way  to 
Gubbins'  house.  He  was  received  into  a  low  room 
on  the  ground  floor,  with  a  single  light,  carefully 
screened  on  the  farther  side  lest  it  should  attract  the 
bullets  of  the  enemy.  Here  he  was  surrounded  by 
the  anxious  men,  while  at  the  farther  end  were  the 
indistinct,  shadowy  forms  of  the  women,  who  had 
stolen  from  their  beds  to  listen  to  the  glad  tidings. 


210  LOVE  BESIEGED 

Welcome  as  was  the  news  of  Havelock's  advance, 
and  the  prospect  of  speedy  rescue,  it  was  saddened 
by  the  terrible  narrative  of  the  final  Cawnpore 
tragedy,  the  massacre  of  the  women  and  children. 
Information  of  this  had  been  also  brought  by  Ungad. 
The  women  shuddered  at  the  ghastly  story,  the  men 
set  their  teeth  and  burned  for  revenge. 

It  was  not  until  Lennard  had  finished  answering 
the  questions  with  which  he  was  plied  by  his  excited 
audience  that  he  noticed  Hawke.  The  light  from 
the  hanging  lamp  fell  on  his  moody  face,  its  heaviness 
the  more  marked  by  reason  of  its  contrast  with  the 
elation  all  round.  The  two  friends  had  not  seen  each 
other  for  some  days — not,  indeed,  since  Lennard's 
rejection  by  Jean. 

Lennard  held  out  his  hand,  and  the  other  took  it, 
but  with  no  great  show  of  cordiality,  and  very  few 
words  passed  between  them.  Then  Hawke  turned 
abruptly  and,  seizing  the  rope,  swung  himself  into  the 
black  depths  of  the  shaft  and  was  lost  to  view. 

Hawke's  two  hours'  duty  over,  he  came  up  and 
reported  himself  to  Captain  Fulton. 

"  I  don't  believe  the  beggars  are  mining  in  that 
direction  at  all,"  said  he. 

"  But  if  they're  bent  upon  doing  us  any  mischief 
they  must  come  that  way,"  persisted  Fulton. 

"  That's  true  ;  but  why  shouldn't  they  blunder  ?  " 

Fulton  was  silent  for  a  moment. 

"  Hawke,"  said  he,  "  we'll  carry  that  mine  some  ten 
or  twelve  feet  farther." 

"  Very  well." 

"  And  we'll  start  upon  the  work  at  once.  The 
Pandies  will  have  heard  of  Havelock's  coming,  and 
they'll  strain  every  nerve  to  be  beforehand  with  him." 


A   HOT  ATTACK  211 

Armed  with  pick  and  spade  the  two  men  descended 
the  shaft,  and  for  three  hours  went  steadily  at  their 
task,  one  breaking  down  the  dry,  hard  soil,  and  the 
other  shovelling  the  debris  to  the  shaft,  where  it  was 
drawn  up  in  buckets  by  those  at  the  mouth. 

When  thoroughly  exhausted,  Captain  Fulton  gave 
the  word  of  command  to  knock  off  work.  The  party 
crawled  from  the  mine,  and  were  about  to  start  for 
the  headquarters  of  Colonel  Inglis  when  a  loud 
explosion  was  heard  outside  the  battery.  It  was  not 
the  firing  of  ordnance.  No  cannon,  however  large, 
would  make  the  same  kind  of  noise.  Fulton's  ex- 
perienced ear  told  him  in  a  moment  what  it  was. 

"  By  heavens,"  he  cried,  "  the  devils  have  exploded 
a  mine ! " 

Leaving  Hawke  in  charge  of  the  guard,  he  ran 
across  the  enclosure  to  the  fortifications,  where  the 
guns  were  in  readiness.  He  expected  to  see  them 
destroyed,  and  a  breach  gaping  in  the  earthworks  ; 
but  no  damage  had  been  done. 

In  two  or  three  minutes  he  came  running  back 
excitedly. 

"  Come  along,  my  lads ! "  he  shouted,  "  to  the 
battery !  " 

In  a  very  few  seconds  each  man  was  assigned  his 
post,  and,  with  his  musket  or  rifle  thrust  through  a 
loophole,  was  ready,  when  the  dense  smoke  should 
clear  away,  to  open  fire  upon  the  enemy. 

The  latter,  it  was  clear,  had  been  mining,  as  Fulton 
suspected,  with  the  object  of  blowing  up  the  Redan. 
The  rebels  had,  however,  miscalculated  the  distance, 
and,  the  smoke  hindering  them  from  seeing,  they 
imagined  the  explosion  had  been  successful  in  making 
a  breach  in  the  fortifications.  They  could  be  seen  in 


2i2  LOVE   BESIEGED 

all  directions  advancing  to  the  attack  with  fixed 
bayonets.  Little  did  they  expect  the  reception  they 
would  meet. 

"  Steady,  boys  !  "  cried  Fulton,  with  the  light  of 
battle  in  his  eyes.  "  Now  then,  let  'em  have  it ! " 

Almost  at  the  same  moment  the  guns  in  the 
battery  and  every  barrel  at  the  loopholes  opened  fire. 
The  rebels  were  taken  by  surprise,  and  staggered 
back. 

In  a  few  minutes  they  rallied,  and  again  advanced 
to  the  attack,  disregarding  the  fierce  fire  that  made 
tremendous  havoc  in  their  ranks. 

One  of  their  officers  was,  unlike  the  majority  of 
his  followers,  a  brave  man.  Waving  his  sword,  on 
the  point  of  which  he  had  stuck  his  cap,  he  shouted  : 
"  Come  on,  my  braves ! "  and  led  his  men  almost  up 
to  the  earthworks. 

They  were  met  by  a  murderous  fire ;  but  they 
were  confident  in  their  numbers,  and  the  gaps  in 
their  ranks  were  instantly  closed  up.  One  man 
leaped  upon  the  earthworks,  which  were  not  more 
than  four  feet  high.  He  was  met  by  a  thrust  in  the 
chest  from  a  bayonet,  and  rolled  back  a  corpse. 
Others  succeeded,  to  meet  with  a  similar  fate. 

The  enemy  swarmed,  and  the  sepoy  officer  who 
led  the  attack  saw  that  his  men  were  gaining  the 
advantage  slightly.  With  a  yell  of  exultation  he 
rushed,  followed  by  a  fresh  batch  of  reinforcements, 
to  where  the  defence  seemed  weakest. 

He  made  his  way  straight  for  Fulton,  as  though 
he  knew  him  to  be  the  leader ;  but  he  never  reached 
the  gallant  captain  of  the  engineers.  At  the  moment 
when  Fulton,  hardly  pressed  by  three  or  four  fellows, 
was  almost  defenceless  against  a  fresh  attack, 


A   HOT  ATTACK  213 

Hawke's  sword  swept  through  the  air  and  cut  the 
man's  neck  clean  through. 

The  loss  of  the  sepoy  leader  made  the  assailants 
waver,  and,  assistance  arriving  at  that  moment  from 
another  battery,  the  rebels  were  driven  back  with 
great  slaughter.  A  howitzer  immediately  after 
opened  upon  them  with  grape,  and  this  completed 
their  rout. 

A  more  persistent  attack  upon  the  fortifications 
than  this  was  not  made  throughout  the  siege.  The 
rebels  strained  every  nerve  and  made  a  simultaneous 
assault  on  the  east  and  south,  but  without  avail. 

One  of  the  bravest  bits  of  work  done  that  day  was 
at  Innes'  house.  The  garrison  here  consisted  only 
of  twelve  men  of  the  32nd  Foot,  twelve  of  the  I3th 
Native  Infantry,  and  a  few  non-military  official  men. 
The  whole  were  commanded  by  Ensign  Loughnan, 
the  plucky  young  officer  who,  at  the  very  outbreak 
of  the  Mutiny  at  Lucknow,  saved  the  treasure. 

The  explosion  of  the  enemy's  mine  at  the  Redan 
gave  the  signal  for  the  attack,  and  against  this 
handful  of  men,  cooped  up  in  the  weak  defences  of 
Innes'  house,  the  sepoys  pressed  in  large  numbers, 
and  made  their  way  to  within  ten  yards  of  the 
palisade. 

A  rolling  fire  sent  them  back.  They  came  on 
again  and  again  and  again ;  but  always  with  the 
same  result.  Loughnan  was  young  in  years,  but 
cool,  wary,  determined  and  resolute.  Not  a  shot 
was  wasted,  and  at  last  he  forced  the  enemy  to 
desist  from  their  attempts  to  storm  the  post,  and  to 
content  themselves  with  a  heavy  musketry  fire  from 
a  safe  distance. 

While  these  fierce  combats  were  going  on  at  the 


2i4  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Redan  and  Innes'  house  the  rebels  made  a  desperate 
attempt  on  their  favourite  point  of  attack — the 
Cawnpore  battery. 

The  column  was  led  by  its  standard-bearer,  who, 
undeterred  by  the  fire  from  every  loophole,  jumped 
into  the  battery  ditch.  But  he  forgot  he  had  to 
reckon  with  men  who  never  lost  their  nerve  and 
precision  of  aim.  A  well-directed  bullet  stopped 
his  farther  progress,  and  his  followers  became  dis- 
heartened and  fell  back. 

Leaving  the  Cawnpore  battery  alone,  they  rushed 
northwards  to  join  their  comrades,  who  were  making 
a  determined  assault  on  Anderson's  garrison,  distant 
some  two  hundred  yards  from  the  Cawnpore  battery. 
The  besiegers  had  provided  themselves  with  scaling- 
ladders  ;  but  they  were  as  unsuccessful  here  as  else- 
where, and,  thoroughly  dispirited,  they  retreated, 
and  did  not  renew  the  attack. 

It  was  now  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Since 
an  early  hour  the  defenders  had  been  kept  at  work 
at  all  points.  Although  everywhere  repulsed,  the 
enemy  for  two  hours  after  continued  to  pour  in  a 
heavy  fire,  and  even  attempted  to  effect  a  lodgment 
in  one  of  the  brick-built  cook-houses  close  to  the 
outer  defences. 

But  the  real  attack  was  over.  Made  in  great 
force,  and  with  considerable  resolution,  it  had  been 
defeated  by  the  British  with  a  loss  of  but  four  killed 
and  twelve  wounded. 

As  a  feat  of  arms  this  repulse  is  scarcely  to  be 
surpassed  by  any  feat  in  history.  After  three  weeks 
of  incessant  pounding  with  shot  and  shell,  the  enemy 
had  tried  to  overwhelm  the  besieged  by  an  assault 
at  all  points,  and  had  failed  signally  everywhere. 


A   HOT   ATTACK  215 

Yet  the  rebels  had  every  advantage.  They  had 
sprung  their  mine ;  they  had  covered  the  forward 
movement  of  their  infantry  by  a  fierce  artillery  fire; 
their  infantry  had  advanced  to  within  a  few  yards  of 
the  defences,  but  not  a  single  place  had  they  been 
able  to  penetrate.  Had  they  not  miscalculated  the 
distance  of  the  mine  at  the  Redan  the  result  might 
have  been  very  different.  As  it  was,  they  were 
thoroughly  disheartened,  while  the  spirits  of  the 
defenders  rose  in  an  equal  proportion.  Well  might 
they  from  that  day  look  forward  with  more  hope  to 
the  future. 


CHAPTER   XV 

THE  ROYAL    TALISMAN    OF    OUDII 

THE  failure  of  the  assault  had  its  effect  on  the 
rebels.  For  two  days  they  scarcely  fired  a  shot. 
It  was  a  welcome  relief  to  the  sorely  tried  garrison 
to  be  able  to  go  out  into  the  open  without  risk. 
Even  the  women  took  courage  and  ventured  out, 
Edith  Ross  one  of  the  first. 

The  spaces  between  the  Residency  and  the  various 
batteries  and  fortified  buildings  showed  traces  of 
the  recent  conflict.  Outside  in  the  battery  ditches  the 
rebels'  dead  lay  in  heaps.  Inside,  here  and  there, 
was  the  body  of  a  sepoy  who  had  paid  for  his 
temerity  with  his  life. 

The  sight  caused  Edith  Ross  no  repugnance. 
Like  the  others,  both  men  and  women,  she  had 
become  inured  to  the  sight  of  blood.  She  was  on 
her  way  to  the  Cawnpore  battery,  where  the  fight 
had  been  hottest.  Lennard  was  there,  she  knew, 
and  she  was  anxious  to  see  him. 

As  she  passed  an  angle  of  the  wall  the  sound  of 
a  groan  made  her  pause.  Then  to  her  amazement 
she  heard  her  own  name  uttered  in  soft  Hindoo 
accents.  A  man  was  lying  grievously  wounded. 
The  film  of  death  was  rapidly  gathering  in  his  eyes. 
She  remembered  the  man.  He  had  been  one  of 
her  servants.  His  right  hand  was  struggling  feebly 
inside  his  vest.  Just  as  he  extricated  his  fingers  a 

216 


THE  ROYAL  TALISMAN   OF  OUDH     217 

spasm  went  over  his  frame.     The  next  moment  he 
was  dead. 

At  first  Mrs  Ross  imagined  he  had  called  to  her 
by  name  simply  out  of  recognition.  Then  she 
caught  sight  of  something  glittering  in  the  hand 
which  had  been  withdrawn  from  the  vest.  Instantly 
she  bent  over  the  body  and  snatched  from  his  fingers 
a  piece  of  gold,  fashioned  delicately  in  the  shape  of 
a  fish,  the  eyes  formed  of  rubies. 

Mrs  Ross  at  once  recognised  the  ornament.  It 
was  well  known  throughout  Oudh  as  the  symbol 
of  kingly  power,  and  anciently  it  was  regarded  as 
a  talisman.  The  person  who  held  it  was  believed 
to  be  in  the  confidence  of  the  king,  and  trusted  by 
him  with  important  and  delicate  negotiations.  It 
was  true  there  were  no  longer  any  kings  of  Oudh, 
but  the  symbol  in  some  curiously  subtle  way  retained 
a  good  deal  of  its  old  influence.  No  doubt  it  was 
in  the  possession  of  the  man  to  enable  him  to  travel 
unmolested. 

As  Edith  Ross  gazed  upon  the  jewelled  piece  of 
precious  metal,  the  spirit  of  her  Eastern  ancestors — 
ancestors  of  princely  lineage — seemed  to  animate 
her.  At  that  moment — with  her  lithe,  sinuous 
frame,  her  long,  rounded,  snakelike  arms,  her  olive 
complexion,  her  firmly  chiselled  lips,  just  parted 
sufficiently  to  show  the  small,  regular,  gleaming 
teeth,  her  burning,  passionately  sensuous  eyes — she 
was  the  embodiment  of  the  East. 

"This  man  bears  a  message,"  she  whispered  to 
herself.  "  But  from  whom  and  to  whom  ? " 

Then  she  saw  protruding  from  his  vest  the  corner 
of  a  letter.  The  Hindoo  was  probably  trying  to 
extract  this  at  the  moment  death  overtook  him. 


2i 8  LOVE   BESIEGED 

It  was  strange  the  man  should  carry  letters  openly 
when  all  the  messengers  to  and  from  the  garrison 
only  ventured  to  take  letters  rolled  so  small  they 
could  swallow  them  if  need  be. 

However  trustworthy  a  man  might  be,  it  was 
scarcely  possible  for  him  to  enter  the  Residency 
position  in  consequence  of  the  extreme  vigilance 
of  the  enemy.  Posts  had  been  carefully  established 
by  them  in  the  houses  all  round,  from  which  strict 
watch  and  lookout  were  kept.  Beyond  these,  again, 
were  other  posts  and  pickets  ;  and  all  the  principal 
thoroughfares  of  the  cities  and  suburbs  were  observed 
and  all  passers-by  challenged  and  examined. 

It  was,  therefore,  a  service  of  extreme  danger  and 
difficulty  either  to  leave  the  position  with  letters  or 
to  bring  letters  in,  and  the  only  man  who  had 
effected  this  was  Mr  Gubbins'  scout  Ungad. 

The  despatches  delivered  and  brought  by  Ungad 
were  written  on  small  pieces  of  thin  paper,  some- 
times in  Greek  characters.  They  were  tightly 
rolled  up  and  inserted  in  a  quill,  which  was  then 
closed  at  either  end  with  sealing-wax.  Whenever 
despatches  were  found  upon  any  person  he  was  put 
to  death,  and  many  were  kept  in  confinement  on 
mere  suspicion  of  their  being  "cossids"  (native 
spies.) 

But  in  the  case  of  this  man  now  lying  dead  there 
was,  as  Mrs  Ross,  from  her  acquaintance  with  the 
traditions  of  the  East,  well  knew,  a  special  reason 
why  the  precautions  taken  by  the  rebels  did  not 
concern  him.  He  was  protected  by  the  possession 
of  the  golden  fish — the  royal  talisman  of  Oudh. 

Rapidly  Mrs  Ross  pulled  out  the  letters — there 
were  more  than  one — and  examined  them.  To  her 


THE  ROYAL  TALISMAN   OF  OUDH     219 

surprise  she  found  they  were  unfastened.  The 
writing  on  the  envelope  was  small  and  delicate — 
in  the  fine  Italian  sloping  hand  which  ladies  affected 
in  the  forties  and  the  fifties.  The  ink  was  very 
faint. 

The  woman's  eyes  glittered  as  she  read  the  in- 
scription, "  Prince  Azimoolah  Khan,  Hooper's  Hotel, 
Bond  Street." 

"  Azimoolah  Khan !  Ah,  he  has  kept  his  word. 
This  man  comes  from  him,"  she  cried. 

Edith  Ross  trembled  with  excitement — so  much 
so  she  could  scarcely  withdraw  the  letters  from  their 
envelopes. 

Eagerly  she  perused  the  contents.  One  was  an 
invitation  of  Lady  Constance  Harwood,  anxious  to 
secure  the  presence  of  Prince  Azimoolah  at  her  ball, 
at  which  a  lovely  young  debutante  would  be  present. 
"  Jean  Atherton  is  a  most  charming  and  accomplished 
girl,"  wrote  the  lady,  "  and  as  she  is  shortly  to  pro- 
ceed to  Lucknow  to  join  her  father,  she  will  possess 
an  additional  attraction  in  your  eyes." 

Mrs  Ross's  dark  eyes  blazed.  This  was  better 
than  she  expected. 

She  opened  the  second  letter  and  read  it  eagerly 
It  was  clear  Azimoolah  had  accepted  the  invitation 
had  seen  Jean  Atherton,  and  had  been  greatly  taken 
with  her. 

"  I  was  glad,"  wrote  Lady  Constance,  in  her  second 
letter,  "to  read  your  enthusiastic  letter.  Your 
admiration  of  English  beauty  is  so  different  from 
that  of  our  cold-blooded  countrymen.  I  understand 
you  intend  to  return  to  India  soon.  What  a  pity 
Jean  can't  hasten  her  arrangements  so  that  you 
might  travel  together.  You  say  she  was  very  nice 


220  LOVE   BESIEGED 

to  you.  How  encouraging  !  I  think  you  are  to  be 
envied,  my  dear  Prince,  on  your  conquest." 

The  letter  then  went  into  trivialities  which  need 
not  be  given. 

Then  came  the  letter  in  which  Lady  Constance 
suggested  Azimoolah  should  join  Jean  at  Cairo. 

"  Ah,  Miss  Atherton ! "  hissed  the  woman.  "  I 
have  you  completely  in  my  power.  So  you  were 
nice  to  the  'Prince'!  Nice  to  an  ex-khitmutgar  of 
low  birth !  Oh,  you'll  have  to  be  very  ingenious  to 
explain  that  away.  If  I  could  only  discover  whether 
Azimoolah  did  join  you  at  Cairo.  Anyhow,  he  made 
a  '  conquest '  of  you,  did  he." 

Lady  Constance  Harwood's  use  of  the  word 
"conquest"  was  horribly  unjust,  but  she  had  a 
motive.  She  wanted  to  flatter  Azimoolah  Khan  for 
her  own  personal  gain.  She  little  thought,  of  course, 
the  letter  would  fall  into  the  hands  of  Jean's  bitterest 
enemy. 

Edith  Ross's  object  in  bargaining  with  Azimoolah 
was  perfectly  plain.  She  thought  if  she  could  once 
get  hold  of  these  letters,  she  could  destroy  Hawke's 
belief  in  Jean's  purity  and  innocence. 

Mrs  Ross  knew — no  one  better — what  was  going 
on  in  Hawke's  mind.  Hawke  had  the  notion  which 
sometimes,  in  his  moments  of  repentance,  comes  to 
the  most  hardened  reprobate,  that  if  he  could  meet 
the  true,  pure,  devoted,  sympathetic  woman  of  his 
youthful  dreams,  it  would  be  an  easy  matter,  through 
her  influence,  to  cast  off  his  evil  ways.  The  injustice 
of  imposing  the  task  of  their  reformation  on  the 
imaginary  good  angel  does  not  seem  to  occur  to  these 
prodigal  sons. 

Hawke,  like  many  another  man  from  Adam  down- 


THE  ROYAL  TALISMAN   OF  OUDH     221 

wards,  attributed  his  ruin  to  the  influence  of  women 
— the  women  who  play  with  men's  hearts  as  if  they 
were  toys.  He  had  told  Edith  Ross  so  more  than 
once.  She  met  him  with  ironical  laughter,  but  all 
the  same  remembered  his  words. 

She  knew  well  enough  that  Jean's  attraction  in 
Hawke's  eyes  was  the  contrast  she  presented  to 
herself. 

"I've  but  to  show  Jack  that  the  girl's  in  noway 
different  from  me,  and  his  illusion  is  dispelled  at 
a  blow." 

She  folded  the  letters,  and  was  about  to  place 
them  with  the  golden  fish  in  her  pocket,  when  she 
paused.  She  meant  both  Lennard  and  Hawke  to 
see  the  letters,  but  it  would  be  much  better  for 
Lennard  to  find  them.  He  might  not  believe  her 
story  how  they  came  into  her  possession. 

Thrusting  back  the  letters  within  the  man's  vest, 
she  retained  the  golden  fish  and  hastened  to  the 
Cawnpore  battery.  The  officer  in  command  was 
amazed  to  see  her.  Throughout  the  whole  of  the 
siege,  never  had  a  woman  come  to  the  battery. 

"  You,  Mrs  Ross  ?  "  he  exclaimed.  "  How  terribly 
rash ! " 

"  Is  it  ?  One  place  is  as  safe  or  as  unsafe  as  another, 
Captain  Saltmarsh.  Is  Dr  Lennard  here  ?  " 

"Yes.     I'll  fetch  him  for  you." 

The  inquiry  for  Lennard  explained  everything. 
No  doubt  the  doctor  was  wanted  urgently  elsewhere. 
Saltmarsh  returned  in  a  couple  of  minutes  with 
Ernest  Lennard. 

"  What's  the  matter  ? "  cried  the  latter,  a  little  agi- 
tatedly. The  thought  crossed  his  mind  that  Jean  was 
ill,  or  worse — wounded.  Mrs  Ross  read  his  thoughts. 


222  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"  Don't  be  alarmed,"  said  she,  with  a  cold  smile. 
"  It's  nothing  very  serious,  and  nothing  that  con- 
cerns you.  A  puzzle — that's  all.  You've  seen  some- 
thing like  this  before,  haven't  you  ?  " 

She  held  out  the  golden  fish. 

"Yes,  certainly.  It  is  the  sign  of  one  whom  we 
should  call  in  England  a  Queen's  Messenger." 

"  Exactly.  The  man  who  was  carrying  it  is  lying 
at  death's  door.  He  was  holding  up  the  fish  to  me 
as  I  passed.  I  didn't  stay  to  inquire  what  he  had  to 
say,  but  ran  to  you  with  the  sign.  You'd  better  come." 

Lennard  knew  the  importance  of  the  symbol  of  the 
fish.  He  accompanied  Mrs  Ross  to  where  the  man 
was  lying. 

"  I  can  do  nothing,"  said  he  quickly.  *'  The  fellow 
was  doubtless  a  spy.  And " 

Lennard  caught  sight  of  the  letters,  purposely  placed 
by  Mrs  Ross  so  that  he  should  see  them.  Instantly 
they  were  in  his  hand,  and  he  was  reading  the  name 
and  address  on  one  of  the  envelopes. 

"Prince  Azimoolah  Khan!"  he  cried  angrily. 
"What  prince?  The  detestable  rascal  who  is  the 
right  hand  of  that  monster  Nana  Sahib  is  no  prince. 
<  Hooper's  Hotel ' !  I  don't  see  what  it  means. 
How  comes  this  man  to  have  these  letters  in  his 
possession  ?  " 

"  Don't  you  think  they  have  been  entrusted  to  him 
by  Azimoolah  ?  "  suggested  Mrs  Ross,  her  eyes  bent 
down.  "  For  what  purpose,  who  can  say  ?  But  why 
not  read  the  letters  ?  " 

Lennard  hesitated — he  knew  not  why.  He  had  a 
strange  reluctance.  He  would  much  prefer  to  place 
the  letters  unread  in  the  hands  of  Colonel  Inglis,  and 
he  said  so. 


THE  ROYAL  TALISMAN  OF  OUDH     223 

But  this  did  not  suit  the  ideas  of  Mrs  Ross. 
Colonel  Inglis  might  keep  the  contents  to  himself, 
and  this  she  did  not  want. 

"  What  nonsense ! "  she  exclaimed  brusquely. 
"  The  envelopes  are  unfastened.  It's  not  as  if  they 
were  sealed.  There  may  be  something  inside  which 
demands  instant  action.  How  can  you  tell  ?  Our 
desperate  condition  warrants  anything.  If  you  have 
any  scruples  about  reading  them  I  haven't." 

And  hastily  she  snatched  the  letter  from  Lennard's 
hand,  and  pretended  to  read  it. 

"  It  contains  nothing  of  importance.  Simply  a 
woman's  letter.  Read  it  for  yourself  while  I  look  at 
the  others." 

She  handed  it  back.  Mechanically  Lennard  cast 
his  eye  over  the  contents,  unconscious  that  Mrs  Ross, 
while  apparently  looking  at  one  of  the  other  letters, 
was  keenly  watching  his  face. 

"  Did  you  see  this  ?  "  he  cried  suddenly. 

"  See  what  ?  " 

"The  reference  to  Miss  Atherton.  It's  incredible 
she  can  have  made  the  acquaintance  of  that  scoundrel 
Azimoolah ! " 

"You  astonish  me.  I  was  nervous  and  anxious 
I  confess,  and  didn't  read  the  letter  attentively 
Why — "  and  the  woman  gave  an  admirably  simulated 
start  of  surprise — "  her  name  is  mentioned  here  too. 
There  seems  to  have  been  some  arrangement  by 
which  in  her  journey  out  here  Miss  Atherton  was  to 
be  joined  at  Cairo  by  Azimoolah." 

This  was  a  grossly  unfair  interpretation  of  the 
letter.  But  it  was  Mrs  Ross's  desire  to  suggest  a  line 
of  thought  in  Lennard's  mind.  She  knew  the  im- 
portance of  little  inaccuracies. 


224  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"  Of  course  there  mayn't  be  much  in  it,  but  anyway 
I  shouldn't  like  to  have  my  name  connected  in  this 
intimate  fashion  with  that  of  such  an  infamous 
creature  as  Azimoolah  Khan." 

Lennard  frowned.  The  manner  even  more  than 
the  words  of  Mrs  Ross  jarred  horribly  upon  him. 

"  There's  no  reflection  upon  Miss  Atherton  in  these 
letters,"  said  he  impatiently. 

"  Oh,  none  at  all,  unless — unless  she  met  Azimoolah 
at  Cairo." 

Mrs  Ross  dropped  out  her  words  hesitatingly,  as 
though  she  were  anxious  to  defend  Jean,  while 
launching  insinuations  against  her. 

"  And  supposing  she  did  ? "  cried  Lennard  angrily. 
"  She  couldn't  prevent  him  joining  the  steamer  at 
Cairo,  I  presume.  Besides,  at  that  time  Azimoolah 
had  not  exhibited  himself  in  his  true  colours.  He 
had  passed  himself  off  as  a  prince,  and  had  deceived 
many  people  in  England  who  ought  to  have  known 
better — particularly  the  lady  who  writes  these  letters, 
and  who  is  responsible  for  introducing  him  to  Jean. 
It  sounds  very  horrible  now,  of  course ;  but  at  that 
time  there  was  nothing  in  the  introduction,  especially 
as  Azimoolah  had  all  the  plausibility  necessary  to 
deceive  the  unsuspecting." 

"  Yes,"  said  Mrs  Ross,  with  half  a  sigh, "  that's  the 
worst  of  it.  The  fellow's  so  clever  and  fascinating, 
and  girls  are  impulsive,  and  fond  of  admiration." 

"What  has  that  to  do  with  Miss  Atherton?" 
cried  Lennard  angrily.  But  he  winced  nevertheless. 
Every  phrase  Mrs  Ross  let  fall  seemed  to  have  poison 
in  it. 

"  Oh,  nothing,  of  course.  It's  odd,  though,  Lady 
Constance  Harwood  should  have  used  the  word 


THE   ROYAL  TALISMAN   OF  OUDH     225 

'  conquest.'  That  looks  as  if  he  had  made  some 
impression  on  Jean,  doesn't  it  ? " 

Lennard  did  not  reply.  The  discovery  that  Jean 
was  acquainted  with  the  detestable  Azimoolah  was 
rankling.  Mrs  Ross  continued  to  add  fuel  to  the  fire. 

"  The  question,  after  all,"  said  she,  "  is  what 
brought  the  native  here  ?  I  wonder  whether  he  has 
a  letter  addressed  to  anybody  in  the  Residency.  If 
not,  it's  curious  he  should  have  Azimoolah's  letters  in 
his  possession.  Of  course  Azimoolah  may  have  for 
some  purpose  entrusted  them  to  him,  but " 

"  More  likely  he  has  met  Azimoolah  in  battle, 
killed  the  rascal,  and  found  the  letters  on  him," 
broke  in  Lennard. 

"  I  don't  think  that  at  all,"  answered  Mrs  Ross 
quickly.  "  The  death  of  so  important  a  man  would 
be  known  at  once.  We  should  have  heard  it  through 
our  own  Sikhs." 

It  is  a  curious  fact  that  throughout  the  siege 
the  Sikhs,  of  whom  a  number  remained  faithful  to 
us,  were  always  the  first  to  learn  the  news  of  any- 
thing going  on  outside.  No  doubt  they  had  friends 
outside  with  whom  they  in  some  sort  held  com- 
munication. These  friends  must  have  been  staunch 
It  is  certain  they  never  betrayed  to  the  rebel  sepoys 
the  real  condition  of  the  garrisons. 

"Well,  while  the  man  cannot  speak  it's  useless 
to  discuss  the  question,"  retorted  Lennard.  "  In  the 
meantime,  I  shall  hold  to  my  theory  that " 

He  stopped  and  turned.  He  could  hear  footsteps. 
Mrs  Ross  heard  them  also,  and  her  face  lighted  up. 
Hawke  and  Fulton  were  approaching. 

"  I'm  glad  to  see  Captain  Fulton,"  whispered  Mrs 
Ross  to  Lennard.  "  He'll  have  to  take  the  responsi- 
p 


226  LOVE   BESIEGED 

bility  of  this  painful  business.  I'm  sorry  for  Miss 
Atherton,  but  she  has  only  herself  to  blame.  Captain 
Fulton  will  have  to  decide  if  this  man  is  a  spy." 

Lennard  turned  from  Edith  Ross  with  irritation. 
Her  continual  reference  to  Jean  annoyed  him.  It 
looked  remarkably  like  malice.  He  went  towards 
Fulton  and  told  him  what  had  happened.  He 
would  have  liked  to  take  Fulton  apart  so  that 
Hawke  should  not  hear,  but  this  would  only  have 
excited  Hawke's  suspicions.  Hawke  said  not  a 
word  while  the  two  were  talking. 

"  Have  you  read  the  letters  ?  "  asked  Fulton. 

"Yes.  The  envelopes  were  not  sealed.  I  may 
say  that  they  were  written  in  England  some  months 
ago,  on  private  matters,"  returned  Lennard,  in  a 
somewhat  embarrassed  way.  "  I  am  bound  to  give 
them  to  you,  but  I  do  so  only  on  the  condition  that 
they're  handed  over  to  the  person  concerned.  I 
pledge  you  to  secrecy,  Fulton." 

Before  Fulton  could  answer,  Mrs  Ross  interposed. 
Secrecy  was  the  last  thing  she  wanted. 

"What  nonsense,  Dr  Lennard.  I've  read  the 
letters  also,  and  I  say  emphatically  there's  nothing 
in  them  to  demand  secrecy." 

"  I  beg  to  differ  from  you,  Mrs  Ross,"  retorted 
Lennard. 

"  I  quite  understand  your  desire  to  protect  '  the 
person  concerned,'  to  quote  your  own  words.  But 
surely  I'm  right  in  thinking  that  anything  relating 
to  Azimoolah  Khan  must  be  of  importance." 

The  bomb  exploded,  as  Edith  Ross  meant  it 
should.  Hawke  started,  and  he  was  about  to  utter 
some  violent  ejaculations  expressive  of  his  senti- 
ments towards  Azimoolah,  but  was  restrained  by  a 


THE  ROYAL  TALISMAN  OF  OUDH     227 

warning  look  from  Mrs  Ross.  She  bent  forward 
and  whispered  rapidly: 

"You'd  better  clear  out,  Jack,  before  you  hear 
something  you  won't  like.  Take  my  advice.  I'm 
speaking  for  the  sake  of  your  own  peace  of  mind." 

She  couldn't  have  said  anything  better  calculated 
to  detain  him. 

"  My  peace  of  mind,"  he  returned,  with  a  shrug 
of  the  shoulders.  "  How  considerate !  Quite  re- 
freshing— from  you." 

Hawke  turned  abruptly.     Fulton  was  speaking. 

"  Is  it  true,  Lennard,  that  these  letters  are  ad- 
dressed to  Azimoolah  Khan?"  said  he. 

"  Yes,"  answered  Lennard,  intensely  vexed  at 
Mrs  Ross's  persistency,  the  reason  of  which  he 
could  not  understand.  "  It's  true ;  but,  as  I've 
already  said,  the  letters  were  written  months  before 
the  Mutiny  broke  out." 

"  I  must  see  the  letters  before  I  bind  myself  to 
anything,"  said  Fulton.  "  You've  no  object  in  keep- 
ing their  contents  to  yourself,  I  suppose?" 

"No,  except — well,  to  be  quite  frank  with  you> 
I  have  an  objection.  In  the  letters  the  name  of  a 
lady  now  within  the  Residency  is  mentioned.  I  had 
a  reluctance  in  handing  them  over  to  you  on  ac- 
count of  that  circumstance.  But  you're  a  gentleman, 
Fulton.  Take  the  letters.  I  trust  to  your  honour 
to  let  no  eye  but  yours — Colonel  Inglis'  excepted — 
rest  upon  them." 

"  I  appreciate  your  delicacy,  Lennard,"  said  Fulton 
gravely ;  "  but,  as  I  said  before,  until  I  see  what  the 
letters  are  about,  I  can  make  no  promise.  My  duty  in 
regard  to  the  safety  of  the  garrison  is  above  every  thing.'' 

"Yes,  yes,  I  know  that,"  said  Lennard.     "When 


228  LOVE  BESIEGED 

you've  read  the  letters,  I  think  you'll  agree  with  me 
that  my  request  isn't  an  unreasonable  one." 

Hawke,  who  had  been  gradually  working  himself 
into  a  ferment,  broke  out  at  this  point. 

"  Do  you  include  me  in  the  outside  mob  who  are 
not  to  be  allowed  to  look  upon  these  sacred 
epistles?"  he  exclaimed  furiously. 

"  I  would  rather  you  didn't,"  said  Lennard. 

"But  I  tell  you  I've  a  right!  Do  you  know  who 
this  unhanged  rascal  Azimoolah  Khan  really  is? 
Do  you  know  that  he  was  once  in  my  service,  and 
that  if  he  hadn't  cleared  out  in  a  hurry  I'd  have 
broken  every  bone  in  his  body  ?  " 

This  was  news  to  Lennard,  and  uncomfortable 
news,  too.  It  made  his  objection  to  Hawke  reading 
the  letters  all  the  more  forcible. 

"  I  wasn't  aware  of  it,  Jack,"  said  he  ;  "  but,  allowing 
it  to  be  true,  I  don't  see  it  makes  any  difference." 

All  this  while  Fulton  had  been  reading  the  letters, 
and  had  paid  no  attention  to  what  was  going  on 
between  Lennard  and  Hawke. 

"You're  quite  right,  Lennard,"  said  he.  "These 
letters  tell  us  nothing.  They  are  absolutely  trivial, 
save  that  they  throw  a  little  light  on  the  scoundrel's 
doings  in  London.  I  quite  agree  with  you  it  would 
be  extremely  unpleasant  for  the  lady  whose  name 
is  mentioned  to  have  it  known  that  she  was  once 
on  terms  of  friendship  with  the  atrocious  ruffian  for 
whose  head  I'd  willingly  give  a  year's  pay  out  of 
my  own  pocket.  This  unlucky  acquaintance  doesn't 
really  touch  the  lady  in  the  least,  but  you  know 
what  a  hotbed  of  gossip  and  scandal  we  live  in. 
Even  now,  when  the  houses  are  almost  tumbling 
about  our  ears  with  shot  and  shell,  the  women 


THE  ROYAL  TALISMAN   OF  OUDH     229 

must  talk  just  in  the  old  style.  I'd  like  to  suggest 
a  new  reading  of  a  familiar  line,  and  say  that  Satan 
finds  some  evil  things  for  idle  tongues  to  say." 

"  Then  you're  of  opinion  that  no  notice  need  be 
taken  of  these  letters?"  said  Lennard  eagerly. 

"  No,  I  don't  say  that.  We  must  have  the  body 
searched.  There  may  be  something  else  we  shall 
find  to  throw  a  light  on  the  matter." 

"  In  the  meantime,  Fulton,"  broke  in  Hawke,  "  if 
the  letters  are  innocent,  there's  no  reason  why  I 
shouldn't  look  at  them,  considering  that  I  know 
more  about  that  scoundrel  Azimoolah  than  anybody 
else  in  the  Residency." 

"  For  the  life  of  me  I  can't  see  the  objection,"  said 
Fulton,  "  providing  you  undertake  as  I  do  to  be 
silent  as  to  the  lady  referred  to." 

"  There's  no  need  for  me  to  give  any  undertaking. 
It's  almost  an  insult  to  require  one,"  was  Hawke's 
answer. 

Lennard  saw  the  uselessness  of  further  protest. 
He  had  done  his  best  and  had  failed.  Events  must 
take  their  course.  Fulton  handed  the  letters  to 
Hawke.  The  latter  began  to  read. 

Lennard  expected  an  explosion.  A  dead  silence 
followed  instead.  But  it  was  clear  Hawke  was 
intensely  moved.  His  face  was  white,  his  lips 
bloodless.  The  hand  that  held  the  paper  trembled 
slightly.  He  nerved  himself,  and,  folding  the  letters, 
handed  them  to  Fulton,  and  with  a  characteristic 
swing  of  his  broad  shoulders  strode  away.  Mrs 
Ross  followed  him. 

Fulton  put  the  letters  and  the  jewelled  fish  in  his 
pocket,  and,  asking  Lennard  to  accompany  him,  the 
two  went  off  to  Colonel  Inglis  to  report  the  affair. 


CHAPTER   XVI 

JEAN  ATHERTON'S  DARING 

JACK  HAWKE,  mad  with  rage,  to  which  he  surrendered 
himself  in  his  rough  animal  fashion  without  the  least 
attempt  at  self-control,  made  his  way  towards  Dr 
Fayrer's  house.  He  thought  he  was  alone,  and  he 
cursed  himself  aloud.  Mrs  Ross,  following  him 
cautiously,  heard  every  word. 

She  knew  Hawke's  impulsive,  ungovernable  nature 
thoroughly.  The  tempest  would  be  succeeded  by  a 
period  of  depression.  Then  would  be  her  time  to 
exercise  her  influence.  Hidden  by  a  heap  of  debris 
close  to  the  verandah  of  the  main  building,  or, 
rather,  what  had  been  the  verandah — it  was  now  a 
ruin — she  waited  quietly. 

Hawke  walked  to  and  fro  for  ten  minutes  or  so, 
like  some  unquiet  animal,  and  then  sat  down  on  a 
big  stone,  his  passion  exhausted,  his  elbows  resting 
on  his  knees,  his  forehead  buried  in  his  hands. 
Edith  Ross  stole  forward  and  laid  her  hand  lightly 
on  his  shoulder.  He  started  and  looked  up. 

"  Go  away,"  said  he  harshly.  "  I'm  in  no  mood  to 
listen  to  your  song  of  triumph.  Leave  me  to  myself." 

And  again  he  plunged  his  head  in  his  hands. 
Mrs  Ross  laughed  silently.  The  torture  of  this  big 
helpless  man  was  to  her  a  secret  joy.  But  she  had 
no  intention  of  triumphing  over  him,  outwardly  at 
least. 

230 


JEAN   ATHERTON'S   DARING      231 

"  Poor  Jack  !  "  said  she  softly.  "  I'm  awfully  sorry 
for  you." 

"  Keep  your  sorrow  to  yourself.  I  don't  want  it. 
I'm  going  to  ferret  out  the  truth  of  this  business. 
No  beating  about  the  bush  for  me.  I'll  go  straight 
to  Miss  Atherton  and " 

"You  great  fool!"  interposed  Mrs  Ross.  "As  if 
you  were  likely  to  obtain  any  information  that 
way." 

"  How  then  ?     Why  don't  you  talk  sense  ?  " 

Hawke's  passion  was  rising  again.  The  woman's 
jealousy  and  spite  were  also  in  the  ascendant. 

"  I'll  try,"  she  returned  sarcastically.  "  What  shall 
I  say  ?  That  Jean  Atherton  has  a  right  to  love  any- 
one she  likes  ?  That  she's  quite  free  to  bestow  her 
heart  on  Azimoolah  Khan  if  she  chooses  ?  " 

«'  By  God— I  tell  you  it's  not  true !  " 

"  My  dear  Jack,  anybody  but  you  would  see  at 
once  that  these  letters  solve  the  mystery,  and  ought 
to  put  you  out  of  your  misery." 

He  shook  her  touch  from  his  arm  roughly,  and 
stared  at  her. 

"Solve  the  mystery?"  he  repeated  wildly. 

"Yes.  No  doubt  Azimoolah  made  the  running 
when  he  was  in  London,  and  you  can  depend  upon 
it  he  joined  her  at  Cairo,  and  they  came  on  together 
to  Calcutta.  Jack,  you  may  lay  your  life  that  your 
rival  is  your  old  servant,  the  wily,  unscrupulous, 
bloodthirsty,  fascinating  Azimoolah  Khan.  Poor 
Jack ! " 

She  threw  back  her  head  slightly,  and,  looking 
into  his  bloodshot  eyes,  a  soft,  low  ripple  of  laughter 
escaped  her  lips. 

"  Go  on.    Laugh  away,"  exclaimed  Hawke  savagely. 


232  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"  It'll  make  no  difference  to  me.  I'm  going  to  hear 
the  story  from  Jean's  own  lips." 

"  Jack,"  said  Mrs  Ross  sarcastically,  "  you're  a 
fool  if  you  imagine  you'll  get  at  the  truth  that 
way.  What  right  have  you  to  cross-question  Miss 
Atherton  ? " 

At  that  moment  a  roundshot,  evidently  fired  into 
the  air,  descended  about  the  centre  of  the  interven- 
ing space  between  the  Begum  Kothee  and  Dr 
Fayrer's  house,  and  ploughed  up  the  soft  ground, 
spattering  them  both  with  earth. 

The  rebels  were  evidently  recovering  from  their 
defeat.  The  bombardment  was  about  to  recommence. 

Her  narrow  escape  from  death  shook  the  nerves 
of  Edith  Ross  a  little,  and,  trembling  violently,  she 
leaned  against  the  woodwork  of  the  verandah. 

It  was  well  she  did  so,  for  the  shot  was  followed 
by  a  hot  musketry  fire,  which  swept  over  the  com- 
pound like  hail. 

"  By  Jove  !  "  shouted  Hawke.  "  What  does  that 
mean  ?  " 

His  voice  was  almost  inaudible  in  the  discharge  of 
cannon.  Evidently  the  rebels  had  opened  a  new 
battery.  The  shot  from  this  battery  was  a  new 
departure  for  the  enemy.  Hitherto  their  gun  practice 
had  been  very  bad.  Indeed,  they  never,  except  at 
the  end  of  the  siege,  possessed  an  effective  battery 
or  maintained  a  continuous  fire,  or  attempted  to  breach 
the  defences  with  their  artillery. 

They  kept  their  guns  in  isolated  and  sheltered 
nooks  and  fired  them  at  random,  hitting  mainly  the 
upper  parts  of  the  buildings  and  defences,  their  shots 
going  in  large  numbers  clean  over  the  entrenchments, 
and  plunging  into  their  own  posts  beyond. 


JEAN   ATHERTON'S   DARING      233 

Besides  these  fixed  guns  they  had  two  good  light 
field-batteries  of  twelve  guns,  and  the  terrible  eight- 
inch  howitzer.  These  they  moved  about  from  place 
to  place,  and  used  when  the  desire  seized  them.  Their 
stores  of  ammunition  for  these  guns  were  small,  and 
after  a  while  they  had  no  shells  to  use  for  the  howitzer 
except  those  that,  thrown  from  the  Residency  mortars, 
had  failed  to  burst. 

But  this  gun  which  caused  Mrs  Ross  so  much 
alarm  was  of  a  different  make  altogether.  It  was  a 
heavy  gun,  planted  in  the  street  leading  southward 
from  the  iron  bridge,  in  a  place  where  it  could  range 
in  a  diagonal  line  through  the  centre  of  the  Residency 
positions.  It  was,  in  fact,  the  only  gun  that  did 
serious  harm,  and  the  first  time  it  was  fired  was  on 
the  occasion  just  mentioned. 

It  was  subsequently  the  cause  of  much  damage, 
and  the  shot  generally  hit  Innes'  post  (its  nearest 
object),  the  Residency,  Dr  Fayrer's  house,  or  the 
post-office. 

It  did  the  most  mischief  at  the  Residency.  One 
case  there,  as  General  Innes  has  recorded,  was  very 
singular.  The  shot,  making  its  way  into  one  of  the 
rooms,  caught  the  end  of  the  punkah  fringe,  tore 
down  most  of  it,  was  checked  while  doing  so,  and 
then,  getting  a  circular  motion,  whirled  round  a  young 
officer  of  the  32nd,  its  eventual  impact  breaking  his 
leg  and  causing  his  death. 

At  the  post-office  it  played  pranks  and  did  serious 
damage.  One  of  its  shots  broke  the  leg  of  a  chair  on 
which  a  lady  was  sitting,  brought  her  to  the  ground, 
got  caught  in  her  dress,  and  then  unrolled  itself  out 
and  along  the  floor  without  doing  her  further  harm. 
Another  grazed  the  forehead — or  rather  the  temples — 


234  LOVE  BESIEGED 

of  a  young  engineer  as  he  lay  asleep,  breaking  the 
skin,  and  plunging  against  a  treasure-chest  beyond, 
but  doing  no  further  harm,  while  one  cut  through  the 
pillows  on  which  an  officer  of  the  1st  Fusiliers  was 
lying  asleep,  and  then  broke  the  leg  of  the  bedstead 
next  him. 

No  wonder  the  shot  coming  in  a  direction  quite 
unprecedented  puzzled  Jack  Hawke.  Hitherto  the 
space  between  the  Begum  Kothee  and  Dr  Fayrer's 
house  had  been  comparatively  safe,  excepting  when 
the  sepoys  directed  a  musketry  fire  towards  it. 

A  bullet  had  struck  the  verandah  a  foot  from  where 
they  were  standing,  and  was  flattened  out  against  the 
woodwork. 

At  this  they  hastened  inside  the  house,  where  all 
was  excitement.  Hitherto  Dr  Fayrer's  house  had 
escaped  damage  from  the  heavy  guns.  It  was  a  new 
experience  for  the  inmates  to  find  it  bombarded.  One 
of  the  shots  from  the  enemy's  new  battery  had  already 
struck  the  corner,  and  brought  down  a  quantity  of  the 
stonework,  though  it  had  not  penetrated  the  building. 

For  some  days  past  the  mutineers  had  been  depend- 
ing chiefly  on  their  muskets.  Apparently  their  supply 
of  shot  had  dwindled,  and  they  had  been  firing  all 
kinds  of  queer  missiles,  not  infrequently  logs  of  wood 
shod  with  iron.  It  was  clear  their  stock  had  been 
replenished  from  some  source,  It  was  now  round- 
shot  that  at  intervals  struck  the  house,  smashing 
through  brick  and  stone,  and  shaking  it  to  its  founda- 
tions. 

Edith  Ross  and  Jack  Hawke  were  but  half  way 
across  the  entrance  hall  when  they  heard  a  hurried 
footstep  behind.  Lennard,  panting  with  running, 
joined  them.  The  word  had  been  sent  for  help.  He 


JEAN   ATHERTON'S   DARING      235 

and  Fulton  had  been  met  on  their  way  to  Colonel 
Inglis,  and  the  surgeon  had  turned  back  to  take  his 
place  with  the  rest. 

"  Look  sharp,  Hawke  !  "  he  shouted.  "  We  haven't 
too  many  men  to  keep  those  devils  at  bay  ! " 

Lennard  was  quite  right.  But  the  defenders  were 
not  dismayed.  At  every  available  loophole  a  man 
was  posted,  and  rarely  was  a  shot  wasted.  Hawke 
quitting  Mrs  Ross,  who  remained  below  with  the 
other  women,  hastened  to  the  top  of  the  house  and 
took  his  stand  in  a  sort  of  turret  at  one  of  the 
angles  of  the  building.  It  was  an  exposed  position, 
but  it  had  the  advantage  of  commanding  the  battery 
of  the  enemy.  His  first  shot  brought  down  one  of 
the  sepoy  gunners. 

He  had  fired  only  half-a-dozen  times,  when  he  was 
joined  by  a  private  of  the  32nd,  an  Irishman. 

"  Dr  Lennard,  sir,  wants  to  know  if  you've  any 
cartridges  to  spare." 

"  I've  no  more  than  I  can  get  rid  of.  You're  not 
short  of  ammunition  are  you,  Moloney  ?  " 

"  Begorrah,  sir,  we  are  thot ! " 

"  The  devil !  Send  to  the  next  garrison  for  some. 
I  want  all  I've  got.  The  beggars  haven't  been  able 
to  fire  their  gun  since  I've  been  here.  I  must  keep 
them  in  check." 

"  Faith,  you're  right,  sir  ! " 

Away  went  the  private  with  the  message  to 
Lennard. 

"  One  of  us  must  go  across  to  the  Begum  Kothee  !  " 
exclaimed  the  surgeon.  "  It's  the  nearest  house." 

"  Oi'll  do  it,  sir,"  said  Moloney. 

"You're  a  brave  fellow,  Moloney.  Go,  and  good 
luck  go  with  you." 


236  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Moloney  went  into  the  verandah  and  looked  across 
to  the  Begum  Kothee.  He  had  a  terribly  dangerous 
task  before  him.  Bullets  were  whistling  in  all  direc- 
tions. He  hesitated,  and  no  wonder. 

"  Bedad  !  the  longer  Oi  look  at  it  the  less  Oi  like 
it,"  he  muttered.  "  Here  goes !  " 

Ducking  his  head,  he  ran  in  a  crouching  attitude 
over  the  ground.  He  was  untouched  until  he  arrived 
within  a  couple  of  yards  of  the  Begum  Kothee. 
Here  a  bullet  struck  him  in  the  knee.  Even  then  he 
was  undaunted,  for  he  hopped  the  remainder  of  the 
distance,  and  fell  within  the  portico,  sick  with  the  ex- 
cruciating pain.  He  yelled  for  the  door  to  be  opened. 

His  fear  was  lest  he  should  not  be  heard,  and  his 
journey  prove  to  be  in  vain.  The  plucky  fellow  never 
thought  about  help  for  himself. 

His  shouts  might  have  been  disregarded  had 
not  Jean  chanced  to  be  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
house.  The  rest  of  the  occupants  were  on  the  flat 
roof,  which  was  protected  by  a  timber  palisading, 
through  the  loopholes  of  which  they  were  firing. 
They  dared  not  show  their  heads  above  the  wood- 
work, and  so  Moloney  had  not  been  observed. 

"  What  is  it,  my  good  fellow  ? "  cried  the  girl. 
"  You're  wounded." 

"  Faith,  miss,  it's  nothing  to  trouble  about.  It's 
the  cartridges  Oi'm  wanting.  Oi've  come  from  the 
docthor's  house  yonder.  The  bhoys  are  hard 
pressed,  an'  soon  there  won't  be  a  blessed  cartridge 
to  lay  their  hands  upon.  For  the  love  of  heaven, 
miss,  tell  the  captain.  Don't  mind  me — Oi  can  crawl 
inside." 

There  was  no  time  for  delay.  Even  had  there 
been  time,  it  occurred  to  Jean  that  the  captain  in 


JEAN   ATHERTON'S   DARING      237 

command  of  the  post  might  hesitate  about  sending 
a  man  away,  for  she  knew  how  strict  were  the 
regulations. 

The  defence  of  the  Residency  was  unlike  any 
other,  not  only  in  the  number  of  separate  garrisons, 
but  in  the  fact  that  these  garrisons  were  never 
relieved,  because  there  were  no  men  to  relieve  them. 
The  only  man  who  quitted  his  post  was  the  man 
who  went  in  the  morning  to  fetch  the  day's  rations. 
It  was  thoroughly  understood  by  all  that  there  was 
no  retreat ;  that  all  must  die  at  their  posts ;  and 
that,  whatever  casualties  might  occur,  vacant  places 
could  not  be  filled. 

A  daring  idea  flashed  through  the  girl's  mind.  She 
knew  where  the  ammunition  was  stored.  She  would 
take  the  cartridges  to  the  beleaguered  post  herself. 

"  Yes,  yes,"  she  exclaimed  rapidly,  "  crawl  inside." 
Turning,  she  vanished. 

In  two  or  three  minutes  she  reappeared,  bearing 
in  her  arms  a  bag  which  she  had  filled  with  as  many 
cartridges  as  she  could  carry. 

Moloney,  as  brave  as  a  lion  where  his  own  body 
was  concerned,  was  terror-stricken  when  he  saw  this 
slim,  delicate  girl  staggering  under  her  burden.  He 
guessed  her  intention. 

"  No,  no,  miss — you  sha'n't !  It's  meself  that'll 
thry  and  creep  across." 

He  made  an  effort  to  rise,  but  his  knee  was 
shattered.  He  sank  back  groaning. 

"  A  man  can't  be  spared,"  she  said  swiftly.  "  If 
I'm  killed — well,  it  doesn't  much  matter." 

The  next  moment  she  plunged  into  the  path  of 
death,  and  in  the  few  moments  she  took  to  cross,  the 
soldier,  in  watching  her,  forgot  his  pain. 


238  LOVE   BESIEGED 

By  a  miracle  she  arrived  in  safety.  But  the  strain 
on  her  nerves  was  terrible.  She  tottered  across  the 
verandah,  and  sank  down  within  the  doorway.  The 
next  moment  Lennard's  arms  were  round  her. 
Anxious  about  Moloney's  mission,  he  had,  when  the 
man  started,  handed  his  gun  to  his  nearest  neigh- 
bour and  left  his  post  for  a  few  minutes  while  he 
watched  the  soldier  run  through  the  storm  of  bullets. 
He  saw  him  fall,  and  witnessed  the  appearance  of 
Jean  on  the  scene  ;  but  never  could  he  have  imagined 
that  she  would  be  the  return  messenger. 

He  was  horror-stricken  at  the  sight,  the  more  so 
as  he  was  powerless  to  assist  her.  He  shouted 
frantically,  but  in  vain.  His  voice  was  drowned  by 
the  noise  of  the  firing. 

When  Lennard  ran  forward  to  meet  Jean,  and  she 
fell  into  his  arms,  he  at  first  thought  she  was  wounded  ; 
but  her  unconsciousness  was  only  momentary,  and 
her  first  words  were  to  assure  him  she  was  unhurt. 

"  Thank  heaven  !  "  he  cried.  "  There's  no  one  in  the 
whole  garrison  braver  than  you,  Jean.  You  deserve 
the  Victoria  Cross  for  this." 

She  smiled  faintly. 

"  I'm  afraid  there  was  more  desperation  than 
courage.  If  I'd  stopped  to  think  I  should  never 
have  done  it." 

Lennard  lifted  the  bag,  and  was  amazed  at  its 
weight.  The  urgency  of  the  occasion  had  lent 
unnatural  strength  to  the  girl.  No  wonder  she  was 
exhausted  at  the  end  of  the  journey. 

The  joy  of  the  little  garrison  was  intense  at  the 
arrival  of  the  supply  of  cartridges  ;  and  when  Lennard 
led  Jean  forward,  and  told  how  she  had  daringly  run 
the  gauntlet  of  fire,  a  loud  cheer  burst  from  the  men. 


CHAPTER  XVII 

THE  CRAFT  OF  MRS  ROSS 

MEANWHILE  Hawke,  in  the  upper  room,  and  the  rest 
of  the  men  were  busy  at  their  posts.  Each  man  had 
three  muskets,  and  these  were  loaded  for  them  by 
the  women  or  by  the  inferior  marksmen. 

This  loophole  warfare  had  grown  to  be  quite  an 
art.  One  of  the  peculiarities  of  the  siege  was  that 
the  assailants  and  the  assailed  were  quite  close 
together.  The  distance  which  separated  them  was 
in  many  points  not  greater  than  the  average  width 
of  a  street  such  as  Fleet  Street.  No  man  on  either 
side  dared,  therefore,  expose  himself  in  the  open  to 
discharge  his  musket.  Every  loophole  was  a  target, 
and  within  the  Residency  houses  care  was  taken  in 
boring  a  loophole  that  the  background  should  be 
dark,  so  that  it  should  not  betray  its  presence  to  the 
enemy,  because,  the  hostile  parties  being  so  close 
together,  it  was  sometimes  easy  to  discover  the  bear- 
ings of  particular  loopholes  and  avoid  them. 

The  object  of  the  besieging  sepoys  was  to  find 
out  points  not  commanded  by  the  loopholes  of  the 
besieged,  and  here  they  posted  men  to  fire  on  any 
defender  who  might  incautiously  show  himself. 
After  a  while  the  garrisons  came  to  understand 
these  tactics,  and  were  quite  equal  to  them. 

First  of  all  the  besieged  would  encourage  the 
assailants  to  occupy  such  a  point,  and  have  confidence 

239 


24o  LOVE   BESIEGED 

in  it.  The  new  position  was  noted  accurately,  and 
in  the  night  holes  were  bored  in  that  particular 
direction.  In  the  morning  the  enemy  would  come 
up  by  twos  and  threes  to  occupy  their  chosen  post, 
or  the  garrison  would  do  something  to  attract  them 
there.  Then  the  muskets  would  be  discharged  from 
the  new  loopholes.  This  method  of  outwitting  the 
enemy  was  tried  again  and  again,  and  generally  with 
success. 

Captain  Fulton  was  one  whom  the  enemy  had 
reason  to  fear  most.  He  was  a  crack  shot,  and  if 
the  enemy  had  been  worrying  any  particular  post 
he  would  go  there  and  fire  several  rounds  into  the 
opposite  line  of  loopholes.  The  lesson  was  always 
effectual. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  siege  the  officers 
and  men  fired  continuously  and  recklessly ;  but  at 
the  end  of  about  ten  days  they  found  out  that  this 
was  a  mistake.  The  fatigue  was  not  only  very  great, 
but  the  continuous  recoil  of  the  piece  made  the  men's 
shoulders  sore  and  painful.  After  this  they  became 
sparing  of  their  shots,  and  no  one  fired  unless  he 
could  cover  a  foe. 

The  curious  effect  of  this  economy  of  force  was 
that  nothing  tended  to  daunt  the  enemy  more  than 
the  perfect  stillness  which  used  to  prevail  in  the 
entrenchments  during  the  night. 

The  insistence  of  loophole  firing,  the  stern  sup- 
pression of  needless  exposures  and  aimless  sorties, 
the  enforced  restriction  of  the  men  to  the  posts  to 
which  they  belonged,  and  the  stoppage  of  all  un- 
authorised wandering  over  the  more  open  and 
exposed  positions,  account  for  the  astonishingly 
small  number  of  casualties  during  the  siege,  when 


THE   CRAFT   OF   MRS   ROSS        241 

the  almost  ceaseless  fire  of  the  enemy  and  the  actual 
encounters  with  them  are  remembered. 

For  three  days  it  was  impossible  to  stir  from  Dr 
Fayrer's  house,  the  firing  was  so  incessant.  Jean 
had,  of  course,  to  remain  where  she  was.  The 
women  were  kept  so  busy,  she  and  Mrs  Ross  had 
not  met.  They  were  stationed  in  different  rooms. 

During  those  three  days,  Mrs  Ross  had  been  load- 
ing for  the  captain  of  the  post,  but  at  length  the 
enemy's  fire  slackened,  and  she  was  released  from 
her  duty.  Of  course  she  had  heard  of  Jean's  arrival 
and  daring  exploit,  and  she  at  once  sought  the  girl, 
for  she  could  now  put  into  execution  her  scheme  of 
finding  out  the  extent  of  her  acquaintance  with 
Azimoolah  Khan. 

Jean  was  sitting  by  one  of  the  ladies.  Edith  Ross 
softly  approached,  and  took  a  vacant  seat  by  her 
side.  Edith  sat  listening  quietly,  and,  when  there 
was  a  pause  in  the  conversation,  congratulated  Jean 
in  silken  tones  on  her  courage  in  carrying  the  am- 
munition under  fire,  adding,  "  There's  not  another 
woman  in  the  garrison  who  would  have  dared  to  do 
such  a  thing." 

"  I  think  you're  wrong,"  said  Jean  emphatically. 
"  There  are  plenty,  I'm  sure,  who  would  have  done 
the  same  had  they  been  in  my  place." 

"  Well,  I  couldn't." 

"  And  yet  I've  heard  Dr  Macpherson  say  you've 
wonderful  nerve." 

"  Yes,  in  hospital  cases.  That's  a  different  matter 
I'm  in  no  danger  there.  Talking  of  patients,  you 
haven't  inquired  after  my  latest." 

"  Who  is  he  ?  " 

"  Ah,  I  forgot.  You  know  nothing  of  what  has 
Q 


242  LOVE   BESIEGED 

taken  place  here,  although  we're  so  very  few  yards 
apart." 

"  You  mean  the  man  they  call  the  spy,  don't  you, 
Mrs  Ross  ?  "  said  the  lady  to  whom  Jean  had  been 
talking. 

"  Yes.  I  called  him  a  patient  just  now,  but  that 
isn't  quite  correct.  The  man  died  before  I  could  get 
Dr  Lennard.  If  he  wasn't  a  patient  it's  pretty 
certain  he  was  a  spy — and  a  spy  in  the  service  of 
Azimoolah  Khan." 

"  Azimoolah  Khan,"  cried  Jean,  starting. 

"  Ah,  I  thought  the  name  would  be  familiar  to 
you,"  said  Mrs  Ross,  suddenly  dropping  her  voice 
so  that  Jean  alone  heard  her  words.  "  I've  some- 
thing to  say  to  you,  dear,  but  I  don't  want  to  talk 
before  all  these  people.  I'm  going  into  the  next 
room.  Will  you  follow  me  shortly  ?  " 

Jean's  dark  eyes  looked  at  the  woman  troublously. 
What  could  she  have  to  say  that  demanded  so  much 
mystery  ? 

When  they  again  met,  Mrs  Ross's  gaze  was  bent 
on  the  floor,  as  if  she  were  pondering  something. 
She  seemed  to  be  unconscious  of  Jean's  presence. 

"  What  is  it  you  wish  to  say  to  me  ?  "  asked  Jean. 

"  I  spoke  to  you  just  now  of  Azimoolah  Khan. 
It  wasn't  without  a  reason.  It  appears  you're  in- 
timately acquainted  with  this  monster  of  infamy." 

Her  silkiness  of  tone  had  disappeared.  Every 
word  seemed  barbed  with  venom. 

"I  don't  understand  what  you  mean,  Mrs  Ross," 
said  Jean. 

"  Really.  It's  fortunate  for  you  that  we're  divided 
into  so  many  distinct  communities,  and  that  gossip 
can't  spread  from  one  to  another.  In  this  garrison — 


THE   CRAFT   OF   MRS   ROSS       243 

Dr  Fayrer's — rumour  has  been  pretty  busy  with  you. 
I  can  imagine  nothing  more  horrible  than  having 
one's  name  linked  with  that  of  Azimoolah  Khan — 
Azimoolah,  the  man  who  ordered  the  butchery  of 
the  women  and  children  at  Cawnpore." 

"  My  name  linked  with  Azimoolah  !  How  can  you 
assert  anything  so  terrible?"  cried  Jean,  trembling 
with  indignation. 

"  It's  common  talk  here,"  said  Mrs  Ross,  her 
merciless  eyes  never  moving  from  the  girl's  convulsed 
face.  "  There's  not  such  a  wide  gulf  between  English 
and  Anglo-Indian  society  as  you  imagine.  The 
latest  arrival  from  London  usually  brings  some 
interesting  information,  which  shows  how  very  small 
the  world  is.  It's  no  secret  how  you  met  Azimoolah 
— he  called  himself  a  prince  then — at  a  ball  given 
by  one  of  the  leaders  of  London  fashionable 
society ;  how  you  danced  several  times  with  him ; 
how  he  hurried  to  Cairo  on  purpose  to  travel  with 
you  on  board  the  steamer  which  brought  you  to 
Calcutta." 

"That's  an  infamous  falsehood.  If  he  did,  as  you 
say,  come  to  Cairo  for  that  purpose,  he  failed.  I 
have  never  seen  him  since  I  left  London." 

"  I'm  glad  to  hear  you  say  so,  though  I  fear  you'll 
find  it  difficult  to  convince  other  people,"  said  Mrs 
Ross,  in  a  pitying  tone.  "  Still,  you  may  be  sure 
I  shall  do  all  I  can  to  defend  you." 

Stung  to  her  very  soul,  Jean  drew  back  a  step. 
The  girl,  who  but  an  hour  since  had  defied  death 
itself,  quivered  under  the  poisoned  shafts  of  this 
woman,  whose  manner,  whose  look,  whose  voice 
said  as  plainly  as  possible,  "  I  hate  you,  and  I  want 
to  see  you  suffer." 


244  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"Thank  you,"  Jean  forced  herself  to  say.  "  I  will 
not  put  you  to  the  trouble.  All  I  ask  is,  give  me 
the  names  of  any  persons  you  have  heard  speak  of 
me  in  connection  with  this  man — a  man  whose 
fawning  manner  and  fulsome  flattery  were  repulsive 
even  when  I  did  not  suspect  anything  wrong." 

"  I'm  anxious  to  believe  all  you  say,"  retorted  Mrs 
Ross.  "  But  it  certainly  strikes  me  as  exceedingly 
curious,  when  everybody  was  talking  of  this  atrocious 
villain,  that  you  should  have  been  perfectly  silent  as 
to  your  acquaintance  with  him." 

"Can't  you  imagine,"  cried  Jean  vehemently,  "the 
horror  I  felt  at  the  possibility  of  the  man  whom 
I  met  in  London  being  this  Azimoolah  Khan,  at 
whose  name  everyone  shudders?  Wouldn't  you 
have  shrunk  from  acknowledging  that  you'd  once 
had  any  acquaintance  with  so  cold-blooded  a 
fiend?" 

"  I  prefer  not  putting  myself  in  your  place,  Miss 
Atherton,"  said  Mrs  Ross,  with  icy  politeness.  "  It's 
a  little  too  awkward  for  my  taste.  By  the  way," 
she  added,  as  if  the  thought  had  just  occurred  to 
her,  "you  were  engaged  to  someone  in  London, 
were  you  not?" 

"  I  refuse  to  answer  any  of  your  questions,  Mrs 
Ross,"  exclaimed  Jean,  with  tears  in  her  eyes. 
"They're  meant  to  be  insulting." 

"  You  foolish  girl.  Can't  you  see  that  I  want  to 
be  your  friend  ? " 

"  No.     You're  my  enemy.     Why  I  know  not." 

"  Nor  do  I,  so  dismiss  that  ridiculous  notion. 
You'd  better  answer.  It  would  be  to  your  interest 
to  do  so." 

There  was  no  reply.     The  idea  of  laying  bare  the 


THE  CRAFT  OF  MRS  ROSS   245 

secrets  of  her  heart  to  this  woman,  who  had  for  her 
own  purposes  tortured  her,  was  horribly  repugnant. 
Jean  turned,  with  the  intention  of  leaving,  when  Mrs 
Ross  seized  her  wrist. 

"  Stay,"  and  Mrs  Ross's  voice  took  a  sinister  tone. 
"  I'll  answer  the  question  myself.  Yes ;  you  were 
engaged,  and  the  man  you  promised  to  marry  was 
Azimoolah  Khan." 

Had  the  matter  not  been  of  tragic  importance 
Jean  must  have  laughed.  There  was  really  some- 
thing inconceivably  absurd  in  the  idea.  But  it  did 
not  seem  absurd  then — Mrs  Ross  was  too  terribly 
in  earnest. 

"  Oh,  you're  mad — mad  to  imagine  such  a  thing/' 
Jean  exclaimed. 

"And  that's  the  only  reply  you  will  give  me?" 

"  The  only  reply." 

Jean's  rejoinder  was  to  walk  out  of  the  room. 
She  was  wrought  upon  and  felt  sick  at  heart.  She 
wanted  to  be  alone  and  think. 

Directly  Jean  was  gone,  the  face  of  the  woman 
left  behind  lighted  up  with  an  exultant  smile  of 
malignancy. 

"  A  good  day's  work,"  she  laughed.  "  I've  punished 
Jack  Hawke  for  his  stupidity  in  falling  in  love  with 
this  girl,  and  I've  given  the  girl  herself  a  bad  quarter 
of  an  hour.  How  everything  has  played  into  my 
hands!  If  these  letters  are  made  public  they'll  only 
confirm  what  I  told  her,  excepting  as  to  her  engage- 
ment with  Azimoolah  Khan.  That  was  a  beautiful 
creation  of  my  own.  I  daresay  she  spoke  the  truth 
concerning  him  ;  but  what  does  that  matter  ?  " 

Trembling  with  suppressed  emotion — it  had  cost 
her  a  tremendous  effort  to  maintain  her  calmness 


246  LOVE   BESIEGED 

in  Mrs  Ross's  presence — Jean  descended  the  dark 
staircase.  The  day  had  been  excessively  hot.  The 
air  was  stifling  and  oppressive.  The  firing  on  both 
sides  had  ceased  for  a  time,  and  the  silence  after  the 
din  and  crash  of  musketry  and  artillery  was  strange 
and  unnatural. 

Gasping  for  breath,  Jean  slowly  went  down  stair 
by  stair,  guided  only  by  the  glimmerings  of  light 
which  came  through  the  chinks  in  the  shutters. 
She  felt  she  could  no  longer  remain  in  Dr  Fayrer's 
house.  For  some  hours  not  a  shot  had  been  fired 
by  the  enemy,  and  there  was  now  an  opportunity 
to  get  back  to  the  Begum  Kothee. 

Telling  one  of  the  ladies  where  she  was  going,  Jean 
slipped  out  and  reached  the  Begum  Kothee  in  safety. 
It  was  a  relief  to  be  away  from  Edith  Ross.  Her  face 
burned  when  she  thought  of  the  vile  insinuations  flung 
at  her.  Mrs  Ross's  evident  malice  was  as  puzzling  as 
the  source  of  her  information  about  Azimoolah  Khan. 
In  what  way  had  she  angered  the  woman?  Jean 
could  not  imagine. 

Worse  than  the  malice  of  Edith  Ross  was  her 
assertion  that  both  Ernest  Lennard  and  Captain 
Hawke  knew  of  Jean's  acquaintance  with  Azimoolah. 
There  was  absolutely  nothing  in  that  acquaintance, 
but,  as  Mrs  Ross  had  shown,  it  could  be  twisted  by  a 
slanderous  tongue  into  something  very  damaging. 

The  odd  thing  was  that  Jean  was  more  concerned 
about  Captain  Hawke's  opinion  of  the  matter  than 
she  was  about  Ernest  Lennard's.  She  liked  Len- 
nard extremely.  True,  she  had  said  no  when  he 
asked  her  to  be  his  wife,  but  the  fact  that  he  had  asked 
her  made  her  regard  him  with  a  certain  tenderness. 
But  there  was  no  passion.  Lennard  was  not  the  man 


THE   CRAFT   OF   MRS   ROSS        247 

to  inspire  passion.  He  had  not  the  insistence,  the 
recklessness,  the  fighting  qualities  of  Jack  Hawke. 

Lennard  was  the  man  of  thought,  Hawke  the  man 
of  action.  If  Lennard  had  brushed  away  her  refusal, 
she  would  have  liked  him  better.  He  had  been  too 
ready  to  accept  her  hesitation  as  a  sign  that  he  had 
no  chance.  He  had  come  to  the  conclusion  too 
readily  that  she  had  formed  a  prior  attachment  in 
London.  She  had  never  said  so — never  even  hinted, 
at  such  a  thing.  Lennard  had  chosen  to  assume  this 
was  the  case,  and  to  escape  from  her  embarrassment 
and  to  let  him  down  gently,  she  had  allowed  the 
impression  to  remain.  She  thought  it  better  so. 
It  occurred  to  her  that  if  he  imagined  she  was  free 
he  might  repeat  his  offer,  and  she  would  have  to  go 
through  the  pain  of  refusing  him  again. 

But  with  Jack  Hawke  it  was  different.  She  was 
conscious  of  a  strange  thrill  when  she  thought  of  him 
— of  a  flutter  of  the  heart  at  the  remembrance  of  the 
feel  of  his  strong  arms  when  he  bore  her  out  of  danger. 

He  had  told  her  straight  out  he  loved  her  and — 
she  had  not  said  no.  How  eloquently  he  had  pleaded- 
His  confession  that  he  was  a  black  sheep  showed  his 
sincerity.  He  had  told  her  she  was  his  good  angel 
It  was  sweet  to  hear  him — she  thought  so  at  the  time^ 
Afterwards  she  wondered  if  she  had  not  been  wrong 
in  not  checking  his  passionate  words.  Wrong  or  not} 
she  had  listened,  and  she  could  not  bring  herself  to 
wish  them  unsaid. 

"  He  would  die  for  me,"  she  murmured.  "Ah,  and 
so,  too,  would  Ernest  Lennard.  One  is  as  brave  as 
the  other,"  she  went  on,  remorse  stealing  over  her  at 
the  thought  that  she  had  done  Lennard  an  injustice. 

Jean  buried  her  flushed  face  in  her  hands.     She  felt 


248  LOVE   BESIEGED 

that,  should  her  last  moment  come,  death  would  lose 
its  sting  if  she  could  die  in  Jack  Hawke's  arms. 

Then  followed  swiftly  the  bitter  reflection  that  he 
must  despise  her  if  he  believed  she  had  encouraged 
the  attentions  of  Azimoolah  Khan.  Nay,  the  slander 
went  beyond  mere  "  encouragement."  According  to 
Mrs  Ross,  the  talk  was  that  she  was  actually 
"engaged"  to  this  fomenter  of  rebellion,  and  that  it 
was  on  account  of  her  "  engagement "  she  had  refused 
Dr  Lennard. 

Slowly  it  dawned  upon  her  she  had  made  a 
mistake  in  leaving  Dr  Fayrer's  house.  She  ought 
to  have  stayed  and  sought  for  an  explanation  from 
both  Lennard  and  Hawke.  Lennard,  she  was  sure, 
would  listen  to  her  and  would  tell  her  more  than 
Mrs  Ross  had  let  out.  The  scandal  must  have  some 
origin,  unless  Edith  Ross  had  invented  it.  But  it 
was  not  all  invention.  How  had  the  malicious  woman 
found  out  about  her  knowing  Azimoolah?  Jean 
wished  she  had  not  been  so  reticent  about  him.  If 
she  had  only  told  her  father  it  would  have  been  some- 
thing. Her  silence  lent  colour  to  Mrs  Ross's  malice. 

She  felt  she  could  speak  frankly  to  Lennard,  but 
about  Hawke,  whose  good  opinion  she  most  prized  j 
she  was  not  so  sure.  A  strange  timidity  seized 
her.  It  was  not  from  a  fear  that  Hawke  would 
not  believe  her  version  of  the  matter,  but  because 
she  had  an  intuition  that  to  speak  to  him  would 
lead  to  a  renewal  of  his  love,  and  if  this  happened, 
what  would  she  say  ?  Could  she  resist  him  ? 

These  scruples  deterred  her  from  obeying  her  im- 
pulse to  "  face  the  music."  That  night  the  firing  of 
the  rebels  commenced  with  renewed  vigour,  and  her 
opportunity  oif  returning  to  Dr  Fayrer's  was  lost. 


CHAPTER    XVIII 
HAWKE'S  SECRET  MISSION 

FOR  days  the  chief  topic  of  conversation  in  all  the 
garrisons  had  been  Havelock  and  the  army  of 
relief. 

After  the  arrival  of  Ungad,  the  native  messenger, 
on  the  25th  of  July,  with  the  letter  from  Colonel 
Tytler  stating  that  Havelock  would  be  in  Lucknow 
in  five  or  six  days,  the  garrisons  were  in  the  highest 
spirits.  But  when  the  six  days  went  over,  and 
nothing  was  heard  of  Havelock,  the  old  anxiety 
returned. 

In  the  meantime,  Ungad,  one  dark  night,  left  the 
Residency  with  a  plan  showing  the  position  occupied 
by  Colonel  Inglis,  and  of  the  roads  approaching  it. 
More  than  a  fortnight  went  over  and  no  Ungad 
reappeared.  Then  it  was  that  hope  gradually  began 
to  die  out. 

Many  a  time  during  this  anxious  fortnight  the 
men  posted  on  the  "  lookout "  of  the  Residency  and 
of  the  post-office — the  two  highest  buildings — 
glanced  long  and  anxiously  down  the  Cawnpore 
road  ;  but  they  saw  no  signs  of  the  much-wished-for 
relief  force  advancing. 

At  a  very  early  date  an  organised  system  of  look- 
outs had  been  established.  It  was  carried  out  in 
this  way  : 

At  daybreak  an  officer,  accompanied  by  a  sepoy 
249 


250  LOVE  BESIEGED 

was  detailed  to  take  post  in  the  highest  tower  on  the 
roof  of  the  Residency.  From  holes  made  in  this 
tower,  the  officer  watched  all  the  movements  of  the 
foe.  He  had  slips  of  paper  with  him,  and  one  of 
these  he  sent  down  by  the  sepoy  whenever 
necessary. 

A  precisely  similar  watch  was  maintained  frorr. 
the  roof  of  the  post-office,  and  in  this  manner 
Colonel  Inglis  was  made  acquainted  with  all  that 
was  going  on  outside,  so  far  as  could  be  seen. 

It  was  the  proud  boast  of  the  gallant  defenders 
that  throughout  that  long  siege  the  British  flag 
never  ceased  to  wave  defiance  to  the  enemy.  No- 
thing infuriated  the  rebels  more,  and  the  flag  was 
the  constant  aim  of  their  sharpshooters. 

Again  and  again  were  the  halyards  severed,  the 
flag  riddled,  the  mast  cut  through  by  bullets.  But 
as  soon  as  darkness  permitted,  a  new  mast,  new 
halyards,  were  supplied.  Patched  and  darned  as  it 
was,  the  flag  continued  to  scorn  its  assailants. 

Every  day  when  the  officer  who  had  charge  of  the 
distribution  of  the  rations  appeared  at  each  garrison 
he  was  eagerly  questioned  as  to  whether  Ungad  had 
been  seen ;  but  the  answer  was  invariably  "  No." 
But  at  last,  on  6th  of  August,  news  came — not 
through  Ungad,  but  through  Aodhan  Singh,  one  of 
the  officers'  orderlies,  who  had  undertaken  to  act  as 
spy. 

He  brought  no  letter,  but  the  dispiriting  news  by 
word  of  mouth  that  Havelock's  force  had  fought  two 
successful  engagements  on  the  Lucknow  side  of  the 
Ganges,  but  had  been  obliged  to  halt  at  Mungulwar 
owing  to  cholera  and  other  causes. 

Naturally  this  intelligence  was  very  disheartening 


HAWKE'S   SECRET   MISSION       251 

to  the  garrison,  and  the  more  despondent  began  to 
take  a  very  gloomy  view  of  the  situation.  Havelock, 
with  his  small  army,  they  said,  could  never  possibly 
fight  his  way  through  the  tremendous  force  of  sepoys 
who  now  held  the  city. 

Others,  however,  contended  that  the  check  was  no 
more  than  was  reasonably  to  be  expected  ;  still,  the 
most  hopeful,  with  their  spirits  depressed  by  con- 
stant watching  and  want  of  rest,  had  to  admit  that 
the  situation  was  very  serious. 

Four  days  later — the  loth  of  August — the  second 
assault  of  the  enemy  began.  About  ten  o'clock  that 
morning  a  body,  numbering  perhaps  sixteen  hundred, 
was  seen  to  be  massing  in  the  trenches. 

The  meaning  of  the  movement  was  understood, 
and  the  word  was  passed  that  an  assault  was  im- 
pending. Instantly  everyone  was  on  the  alert. 

The  signal  was  given  half-an-hour  later  by  a  shell 
bursting  within  the  Begum  Kothee.  It  came  through 
the  roof  into  a  room  luckily  unoccupied,  but  caused 
great  alarm  ;  and  Jean  and  the  other  ladies  were 
immediately  ordered  to  remove  into  the  ground  floor* 

The  enemy  began  their  attack  in  their  usual 
manner  by  springing  a  mine.  The  effect  was 
terrible.  The  greater  portion  of  one  of  the  houses 
bordering  the  fortifications  was  blown  in,  the  pali- 
sades and  defences  for  thirty  feet  along  were 
destroyed.  A  breach  was  made  through  which  a 
couple  of  regiments  could  have  easily  marched  ;  but 
the  sepoys  were  not  made  of  the  stuff  to  charge  in 
the  face  of  a  withering  fire. 

Still,  they  came  on  with  more  resolution  than  they 
had  hitherto  shown,  and  for  a  few  seconds  made  an 
effort  to  enter  the  breach.  But  the  front  and  flank 


252  LOVE  BESIEGED 

fire  from  the  garrison,  chiefly  composed  of  officers 
many  of  them  first-rate  shots,  paralysed  the  enemy 
and  they  ran  back,  all  but  about  thirty  more  daring 
than  the  rest,  who  penetrated  into  the  ditch  of  the 
battery.  A  hand  grenade  dispersed  them,  and,  so 
far  as  this  attack  was  concerned,  it  was  over. 

But  the  programme  of  the  enemy  was  that  a 
general  assault  should  be  made,  and  at  two  or  three 
other  posts  mines  were  exploded,  followed  by  a 
mad  rush  of  sepoys,  who  were  repulsed  just  as  their 
comrades  had  been. 

The  attack  was  renewed  several  times,  and  the 
various  garrisons  were  occupied  the  whole  day.  The 
losses  of  the  enemy  were  enormous — far  more  than 
on  the  occasion  of  the  assault  on  the  Redan. 

Since  the  finding  of  Lady  Constance  Harwood's 
letters  to  Azimoolah,  on  the  body  of  the  dead 
Hindoo,  Jack  Hawke  and  Lennard  had  become 
close  friends  once  more.  But  by  some  mutual  yet 
unexpressed  understanding  the  subject  was  never 
mentioned.  Both  felt  the  matter  was  one  to  be 
dealt  with  by  the  general  in  command. 

There  was  little  doubt  the  dead  man  was  a  spy, 
but  why  he  should  be  in  possession  of  the  letters 
was  a  puzzle.  His  clothing  was  searched  ;  all  that 
was  found  on  him  was  some  native  money.  Whether 
he  had  confederates  within  the  garrison  it  was 
impossible  to  say.  He  had  probably  made  his  way 
inside  the  fortifications  by  influencing  one  of  the 
native  servants  through  the  golden  fish  of  Oudh. 

The  question  was  the  disposal  of  the  letters. 
Colonel  Inglis  and  Captain  Fulton  discussed  the 
matter.  Fulton  thought  they  ought  to  be  given  up 
to  Jean  as  the  person  concerned. 


HAWKE'S   SECRET   MISSION        253 

"There's  certainly  no  one  else  interested  in  the 
matter,"  said  Captain  Fulton.  "Stay.  I'm  wrong. 
There  is  someone  else — Captain  Hawke." 

"What  has  he  to  do  with  it?"  asked  Colonel 
Inglis. 

"  Just  this.  He's  in  love  with  Miss  Atherton.  It 
came  to  him  like  a  blow  between  the  eyes  when  he 
read  those  letters.  It  so  happens  that  Azimoolah 
Khan  was  his  servant  in  the  old  days,  and  had,  so 
I  understand,  something  to  do  with  the  scandal 
that  smashed  up  Jack  Hawke,  so  far  as  Lucknow 
society  is  concerned." 

"  Is  that  so  ?  Unlucky  for  the  girl  if  she's  fond 
of  Hawke.  The  letters  are  awkward  to  explain,  and 
if  they  fell  into  other  people's  hands  might  be 
still  more  awkward.  I  shall  give  them  to  Miss 
Atherton  and  suggest  that  she  destroy  them." 

"  I  agree  with  you  and " 

At  that  moment  an  orderly,  after  knocking, 
entered  the  room  and  delivered  a  message  to  Colonel 
Inglis.  Captain  Hawke  wished  to  see  the  colonel. 

"  The  man  we  were  talking  of,"  said  Colonel 
Inglis.  "Shall  we  let  him  know  the  decision  we've 
arrived  at  about  the  letters  ?  " 

"  Not  unless  he  asks." 

"Very  well.     Tell  Captain  Hawke  I'll  see  him." 

The  orderly  saluted  and  retired.  Hawke  strode 
in.  He  commenced  abruptly. 

"  I  want  your  permission,  sir,  to  leave  the  garrison. 
I  think  I  can  make  my  way  through  the  enemy's 
lines  in  safety,  and  get  some  news  of  Havelock's 
movements.  Everywhere  the  disappointment's  doing 
far  more  harm  than  the  Pandies'  bullets." 

"That's  so,  Hawke,  but  your  suggestion's  absurd. 


254  LOVE   BESIEGED 

You'll  never  get  through  Lucknovv  alive,  and  we 
shall  lose  a  man  we  can  ill  spare,"  said  Inglis. 

0  If  I  thought  I  should  fail  I  wouldn't  go,  but  I'm 
certain  to  succeed.  It's  not  the  first  time  I've 
masqueraded  as  a  native,  and,  if  you'll  let  me  have 
that  golden  fish  talisman,  I'll  bet  anything  I'll  pull 
the  thing  off  all  right." 

This  put  a  different  complexion  on  the  matter. 
It  was  well  known  that  Jack  Hawke  spoke  half-a- 
dozen  different  dialects,  that  he'd  studied  the  native 
and  his  peculiarities  like  a  book,  and  armed  with 
the  talisman  the  venture,  though  full  of  risk,  was 
not  hopeless. 

"You're  a  plucky  chap,  Jack  Hawke.  Here's  the 
precious  talisman.  Make  your  own  arrangements. 
Go,  and  good  luck  go  with  you." 

Hawke  took  the  golden  fish,  and  without  another 
word  departed. 

"  I  expected  he  would  have  said  something  about 
the  letters,"  said  Colonel  Inglis,  when  Hawke  was 
gone. 

"Jack  Hawke  always  does  the  unexpected,"  said 
Fulton,  shrugging  his  shoulders. 

That  night,  Hawke,  disguised  in  native  costume, 
his  hair  dyed,  his  bronzed  face,  hands,  arms,  feet 
and  legs  darkened,  stole  from  the  southern  fortifica- 
tions into  the  city.  He  had  purposely  made  himself 
up  to  look  like  a  ruffian,  and  he  really  could  easily 
be  taken  for  one  of  the  Lucknow  budmash. 

He  threaded  the  narrow  streets,  which  he  knew  by 
heart,  in  safety,  and  reached  the  road  to  Cawnpore. 
Here  a  native  joined  him,  and,  in  spite  of  Hawke's 
short  answers,  persisted  in  keeping  him  company. 
As  the  fellow  put  two  or  three  questions  which 


HAWKE'S   SECRET   MISSION        255 

sounded  suspicious,  Hawke  took  a  bold  step.  He 
showed  the  man  the  talisman  and  told  him  frankly 
he  had  come  from  the  Residency,  where  he  had  been 
employed  as  a  servant. 

The  fellow's  manner  changed  directly  he  saw  the 
talisman.  Hawke  represented  that  the  defenders  of 
the  Residency  were  nearly  at  an  end  of  their  re- 
sources. Their  only  hope  was  in  Havel ock. 

"  And  their  hope  will  soon  be  despair,"  said  the 
man,  who  said  his  name  was  Hasun  Khan,  jeeringly. 
"  Havelock  and  his  army  have  had  to  retreat.  They 
will  never  reach  Lucknow.  If  they  do,  they  will  be 
shot  dead  one  by  one  in  the  streets.  Every  day  we 
are  becoming  stronger.  Good  tidings  came  yesterday. 
The  talookdars  of  Oudh  are  about  to  join  us." 

This  was  a  grave  piece  of  news.  The  talookdars 
were  the  most  powerful  class  in  Oudh.  They  were 
mostly  the  hereditary  representatives  of  Rajpoot 
clans,  and,  without  having  a  right  of  property  in  the 
villages  they  controlled,  yet  had  nearly  all  the  privi- 
leges of  the  property  owners.  The  term  "  talookdar  " 
means  holder  of  a  talook  or  collection  of  villages,  and 
the  talookdars  were  really  tax-collectors,  engaging 
to  pay  the  state  a  certain  sum,  and  collecting  a 
higher  amount  from  the  villagers  than  they  paid  in  ; 
the  difference  constituting  their  remuneration. 

Hitherto  the  talookdars  had  given  no  support  to 
the  mutineers.  A  few  of  them  were  first  seen  in  the 
rebel  army  which  Havelock,  before  his  retreat  to 
Cawnpore,  defeated  at  Bussorah  Gunge,  but  the 
majority  took  no  active  part,  and  it  was  thought 
those  men  who  did  were  a  few  isolated  men  who  had 
been  coerced  by  the  sepoys.  But  this  was  not  so. 
Ultimately  the  talookdars  went  over  to  the  enemy. 


256  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Hawke  knew  the  importance  of  the  information, 
and  he  did  not  doubt  that  it  was  true. 

"  Yes,"  continued  the  spy,  who  was  a  Mohammedan, 
"ere  long  you  will  see  the  green  flag  of  the  faith 
floating  over  the  Residency,  and  it  will  be  done  with 
your  help  and  mine,  brother." 

Hawke  could  hardly  conceal  his  anxiety  to  hear 
more.  His  self-possession  was  not  equal  to  the  task 
of  controlling  his  emotion  perfectly  ;  but  the  darkness 
was  his  friend.  Hasun  Khan  could  not  see  the 
change  which  came  over  his  features. 

"Our  assaults  have  failed  twice,"  said  Hasun 
Khan.  "  The  third  time  we  shall  succeed.  In  three 
weeks'  time  you  will  see.  Do  you  know  the  Lutkun 
Durwaza  ?  It  is  a  gateway  opposite  the  Baillie  Guard. 
There  we  shall  have  two  heavy  guns.  We  shall 
mine  as  near  as  we  can  to  the  Baillie  Guard,  and  you 
will  then  see  the  end  of  the  Residency,  and  all  within 
it" 

"That  is  well,"  said  Hawke,  keeping  his  voice 
steady.  "  But,  as  you  say,  we've  failed  twice.  How 
do  you  know  we  shall  not  fail  again  ?  " 

"  What ! "  cried  the  Mohammedan,  suddenly  chang- 
ing his  tone.  "  Have  you  not  received  your  instruc- 
tions from  Azimoolah  ? 

Hawke  could  not  repress  a  start.  He  had  forgotten 
that  the  dead  spy  from  whom  the  golden  fish  had 
been  taken  must  have  come  from  Azimoolah,  and 
that  the  latter  had  most  likely  given  him  the  talis- 
man. Hasun  Khan  of  course  believed  that  Hawke 
was  also  one  of  Azi  moolah's  men. 

"  Oh  yes,"  said  Hawke  in  a  confident  tone ;  "  I've 
received  my  instructions.  They're  the  same  as  yours, 
brother." 


HAWKE'S   SECRET  MISSION       257 

"  I  am  glad.  Azimoolah  has  not  told  me  of  you  ; 
but  I  did  not  expect  him  to  do  so.  We — you  and  I, 
brother — are  to  guide  a  number  of  the  braves  through 
the  passage  of  Fyzabad.  Once  inside  the  Residency 
walls  there  will  be  no  chance  for  the  sahibs  and  the 
mem-sahibs." 

Hawke  started.  This  was  indeed  important  infor- 
mation. But  what  did  the  secret  passage  of  Fyzabad 
mean  ?  He  had  never  heard  of  it. 

"Ay,  and  more,"  continued  the  Mohammedan; 
"  but  that  is  my  business  and  mine  alone — mine,  and 
afterwards  Azimoolah's.  Aha  ! " 

The  two  were  squatting  by  the  roadside,  resting. 
Hasun  Khan's  knees  were  gathered  to  his  dusky, 
wrinkled  face,  upon  which  a  ray  of  moonlight  fell, 
tinging  it  a  ghastly  green.  What  could  Hasun  Khan's 
business  be?  Personal  to  himself  or  to  Azimoolah? 

"  Brother,  it's  enough  that  you  are  Azimoolah's 
friend,"  went  on  Hasun  Khan.  "  Azimoolah's  will  is 
your  will.  Maybe  it  is  no  secret  to  you  that  Azimoolah 
loves  a  woman  shut  up  in  the  Residency — a  hand- 
some baba  logue — one  he  met  across  the  black  water, 
in  England." 

The  blood  rushed  to  Hawke'?  brain.  He  quivered 
in  every  nerve.  But  he  dared  not  trust  himself  to  say 
a  word.  He  wanted  to  hear  more. 

The  grotesque  figure  squatting  on  the  ground, 
looking  more  like  a  hideous  idol  out  of  some  temple 
than  a  man,  uttered  a  guttural  chuckle. 

"  You  must  help  me  in  this,  brother.  You  can  find 
out  better  than  I  can  where  this  baba  logue  is.  When 
the  braves  have  come  safely  through  the  passage  it  is 
my  task  to  conduct  a  chosen  score  or  so  to  the  house 
where  the  girl  is  to  be  found." 
R 


258  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"  And  then  ?  "  demanded  Hawke,  in  a  low,  hoarse 
voice. 

"And  then?  Will  she  not  be  cared  for?  The 
others  will  be  put  to  the  sword,  but  she — the  chosen 
one — will  be  guarded  by  Azimoolah  as  the  apple  of 
his  eye." 

"  Yes,  yes  ! "  interrupted  Hawke,  in  a  fever  of  im- 
patience. "  And  her  name  ?  " 

"Her  name?  Her  name  is  Atherton  —  Jean 
Atherton !  " 

Hasun  Khan  pronounced  "  Jean  Atherton  "  in  his 
own  fashion,  but  there  could  be  no  doubt  it  was  she 
he  meant. 

Hawke  felt  inclined  to  strangle  the  man,  and  he 
could  easily  have  done  so,  but  what  was  the  use? 
Azimoolah  was  the  villain  on  whose  throat  he  longed 
to  lay  his  hand.  A  very  worrying  question  faced  him. 
Did  this  hideous  design  of  Azimoolah  Khan  confirm 
or  contradict  the  assertions  contained  in  Lady  Con- 
stance Harwood's  letter?  Reluctantly  he  came  to 
the  conclusion  that  there  was  nothing  in  it  at  variance 
with  these  assertions. 

Hawke  and  his  companion  slept  till  daybreak. 
When  dawn  broke  Hawke  had  an  opportunity  of 
studying  Hasun  Khan's  face  more  minutely  than 
he  had  been  able  to  do  in  the  darkness,  for  it 
was  night  when  the  fellow  forced  his  company  upon 
him. 

"  I've  seen  that  scoundrel  before,  I'll  swear,"  he 
muttered.  "  I  believe  he  was  once  one  of  my  own 
servants." 

It  was  difficult  to  settle  the  point  by  memory  alone, 
for  in  the  days  of  his  prosperity  he  had  so  many 
servants  he  could  not  be  expected  to  know  each  one 


HAWKE'S   SECRET   MISSION        259 

much  less  remember  their  names.  He  would  have 
to  get  at  it  by  a  roundabout  method. 

Cautiously  he  led  the  man  to  talk  about  himself  and 
what  his  past  had  been.  By  degrees,  Hawke  verified 
his  suspicions.  Hasun  Khan  had  been  a  khitmutgar 
in  his  service.  This  was  how  he  had  become  acquainted 
with  Azimoolah  Khan,  who  was  also  one  of  Hawke's 
servants. 

"  This  looks  like  Fate,"  thought  Hawke.  "  It  drags 
up  the  old  business  of  Agnes  and  George  Holcombe. 
Hasun  Khan  and  Azimoolah  were  as  thick  as  thieves, 
and  when  Azimoolah  disappeared  after  the  delivery 
to  Agnes  of  the  anonymous  letters  attributed  to  me 
Hasun  disappeared  too.  By  heaven,  if  this  rascal 
could  be  made  to  open  his  mouth  he  might  throw 
some  light  on  the  mystery.  But  I  must  wait.  News 
of  Havelock  first." 

The  danger  of  discovery  was  doubled  now  that 
he  had  recognised  Hasun  Khan,  but  Hawke  never 
hesitated.  He  wanted  to  learn  more  of  Azimoolah's 
plans,  and  as  Hasun  Khan  was  evidently  in  Azi- 
moolah's confidence  Hawke  made  no  attempt  to 
drop  his  acquaintance.  Azimoolah,  he  learnt,  was 
busy  massing  a  body  of  rebels  at  Bithoor  to  oppose 
Havelock,  and  it  might  be  that  if  he  pushed  on  he 
would  even  come  face  to  face  with  the  miscreant 
himself. 

It  was  the  i6th  of  August  when  Hawke  and 
Hasun  Khan  set  out  at  daybreak  to  plod  along  the 
road  towards  Cawnpore,  then  some  fifty  miles 
distant.  On  29th  July  Havelock  beat  the  rebels 
badly  at  Onao  and  Busseerutgunge,  but  the  two 
battles  had  used  up  in  killed  and  wounded  one-sixth 
of  his  European  fighting  men.  Others  were  down 


260  LOVE   BESIEGED 

with  sickness.  In  front  were  places  to  be  stormed 
stronger  than  those  he  had  encountered.  On  his 
left  was  a  force  watching  for  an  opportunity  to  strike 
him  a  blow,  behind  numbers  of  the  enemy  had 
covered  the  Ganges  and  were  consolidating  them- 
selves. 

Lastly,  as  he  himself  wrote,  "  There  were  still 
thirty-six  miles  between  me  and  Lucknow.  As  the 
enemy  fell  back  they  approached  their  resources ;  as 
we  advanced  ours  became  less  and  less  available." 

Havelock  did  not  hesitate  where  his  judgment 
convinced  him  he  was  right.  Only  a  man  of  strong 
will  and  strong  convictions  could  have  taken  the 
painful  and  disappointing  step  which  the  circum- 
stances forced  upon  him.  He  saw  clearly  his  two 
victories  availed  him  nothing,  and  the  next  day  the 
order  to  fall  back  to  Mungulwar  was  given  to  the 
troops,  and  received  with  amazement  and  muttered 
grumblings. 

Yet  he  was  right.  The  sick  and  wounded  were 
sent  back  to  Cawnpore,  where  Neill  was  command- 
ing ;  and  Havelock  waited  for  reinforcements  at 
Mungulwar.  Neill  was  furious  at  the  news  of  the 
retreat,  and  wrote  Havelock  a  dictatorial,  insubordi- 
nate epistle,  which  the  general  characterised  as  "  the 
most  extraordinary  letter  he  had  ever  received." 
The  answer  was  a  merited  rebuke.  "  A  considera- 
tion of  the  obstruction  that  would  arise  to  the  public 
service  alone  prevents  me  from  taking  the  stronger 
step  of  placing  you  under  arrest,"  wrote  Havelock 
indignantly. 

The  effect  of  Neill's  letter  was  unfortunate, 
Havelock's  sensitive  spirit  could  not  bear  reproach, 
and  on  the  4th  of  August  he  once  more  moved  from 


HAWKE'S   SECRET   MISSION       261 

Mungulwar,  though  the  obstacles  to  be  encountered 
were  now  more  formidable  than  before.  On  the  5th 
he  again  beat  the  enemy  at  Busseerutgunge  ;  but 
this  time  they  carried  off  their  guns,  and  fell  back 
upon  Nawabgunge,  a  position  as  strong  as  that 
which  they  had  been  forced  to  evacuate. 

Once  more  Havelock  had  to  hesitate.  Between 
his  position  and  Lucknow  the  entire  line  was  dotted 
with  difficult  posts,  each  of  them  very  strong.  His 
losses  before  reaching  Lucknow  would  reach  three 
hundred  men,  leaving  him  with  less  than  seven 
hundred  to  force  his  way  through  entrenched  and 
barricaded  streets,  defended  by  a  disciplined  army. 
He  held  a  council  of  war  with  Tytler,  his  quarter- 
master-general, Crommelier,  his  chief  engineer,  and 
his  own  son,  who  served  as  adjutant-general. 

"  The  only  three  staff  officers  whom  I  ever  consult 
confidentially,"  wrote  Havelock  to  the  commander- 
in-chief,  "  but  in  whom  I  entirely  confide,  are  unani- 
mously of  opinion  that  an  advance  on  the  walls  of 
Lucknow  involves  the  loss  of  this  force.  In  this  I 
concur." 

With  bitter  feelings  the  force  retired  a  second 
time  to  Mungulwar,  to  wait  for  reinforcements  and 
recruit  its  strength.  While  there,  Havelock  received 
an  appeal  for  help  from  Neill,  who  was  threatened 
by  four  thousand  men  assembling  at  Bithoor.  Re- 
luctantly Havelock  left  his  position,  beat  the  rebels 
a.  third  time  at  Busseerutgunge,  crossed  the  Ganges, 
and  on  the  I5th  re-entered  Cawnpore. 

This  was  the  retreat  the  news  of  which  caused 
such  disappointment  and  consternation  in  Lucknow. 

But  though  Cawnpore  was  reached,  the  fighting  was 
not  over.  The  rebels  had  to  be  driven  out  of  Bithoor. 


262  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Hasun  Khan  knew  all  about  the  defeats  at  Onao, 
Busseerutgunge  and  Bithoor.  These  were  nothing, 
he  considered,  in  comparison  to  Havelock's  retreat 
to  Cawnpore. 

"  He  has  now  to  reckon  with  Azimoolah,"  chuckled 
the  man.  "  Azimoolah  is  in  command  at  Bithoor. 
We  shall  see  victory,  brother.  Do  you  say  that  too  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  say  that,"  returned  Hawke,  adding  to 
himself,  "  Not  victory  to  you  dogs  though,  if  I 
know  anything  of  Havelock." 

They  trudged  on  ten  miles,  till  Hawke  felt  the  fiery 
sun  almost  unendurable.  But  he  dared  not  show 
signs  of  fatigue.  Luckily,  Hasun  Khan  proposed  a 
rest  in  the  shade.  They  had  scarcely  thrown  them- 
selves down  when  a  cloud  of  dust  in  the  distance 
sent  them  on  their  feet  again.  A  horseman  was 
approaching,  galloping  at  full  speed. 

As  soon  as  he  came  near  enough  it  was  plain  to 
be  seen  he  was  the  bearer  of  ill  news.  He  was  a 
sepoy  belonging  to  the  48th  Native  Infantry  on  the 
way  with  the  tidings  to  Lucknow. 

"  We  are  beaten,"  he  yelled,  as  he  went  by. 
"  Havelock  is  on  the  march." 

On  he  galloped,  scattering  dust  from  his  horse's 
hoofs. 

"  We  must  return,"  said  Hasun  Khan  in  alarm. 
"If  I'm  captured  the  feringhees  will  blow  me  from 
the  cannon's  mouth,  and  you  too,  brother." 

"  Thanks,"  muttered  Hawke. 

He  concealed  his  joy  and  willingly  tramped  back 
to  Lucknow.  He  thought  of  the  brave  patient  hearts 
in  the  garrison  and  what  a  ray  of  sunshine  his  news 
would  be.  If  all  went  well  he  ought  to  be  back  in 
the  Residency  within  twenty-four  hours. 


CHAPTER  XIX 

KISMET  ! 

WHEN  Hawke  set  out  on  his  daring  enterprise  the 
siege  had  entered  upon  its  third  stage.  After  their 
last  unsuccessful  assault  the  rebels,  utterly  dis- 
appointed at  their  failure,  contented  themselves  with 
mining,  and  it  required  all  the  skill  and  vigilance  of 
Captain  Fulton  and  Major  Anderson,  the  chiefs  of 
the  engineering  staff,  to  discover  and  defeat  the 
incessant  efforts  to  blow  up  the  various  posts. 

By  this  time,  what  with  the  cannonading  and  the 
heavy  rains,  many  of  the  buildings  were  in  a  terribly 
tottering  condition.  The  Residency  was  nearly 
uninhabitable,  and  a  large  part  of  it  had  fallen  in. 

On  1 2th  August  the  Cawnpore  battery,  which  had 
borne  the  brunt  of  the  attack  from  the  very  first,  and 
had  always  suffered  severely  from  its  exposed  posi- 
tion, was  silenced.  This  was  due  to  the  oversight  of 
the  party  who  drove  out  the  occupants  of  Johannes' 
House  and  killed  "  Bob  the  Nailer,"  in  omitting  to 
blow  up  the  building.  The  sepoys  soon  after 
reoccupied  the  house,  and  it  became  a  thorn  in  the 
side  of  the  garrison. 

The  1 8th  of  August — the  day  on  which  Havelock 
and  Outram  at  Cawnpore  were  arranging  their  plans 
for  the  advance — was  a  notable  date.  It  was  the 
only  day  on  which  the  rebels  set  foot  within  the 
fortifications.  This  third  assault  was  preceded  in 
263 


264  LOVE   BESIEGED 

the  customary  manner  by  the  explosion  of  a  mine, 
worked  by  the  enemy  with  sharp  and  noiseless  tools, 
not  the  slightest  sound  reaching  the  officers  at  the 
post.  The  explosion  made  a  breach  of  twenty  feet 
in  the  defences,  and  hurled  two  officers  and  three 
sentries  into  the  air. 

One  of  the  rebel  officers  dashed  forward,  and 
waving  his  sword  called  upon  his  men  to  follow. 
In  a  moment  a  bullet  laid  him  low.  His  place  was 
instantly  taken  by  another,  who  as  quickly  fell. 
Aghast  at  the  fate  of  their  leaders,  the  storming 
party  melted  away,  and  never  again  did  they  get 
within  the  defences. 

The  following  day  the  heaviest  cannonade  the 
garrison  had  yet  sustained  opened  upon  the  posts 
to  the  north-east,  and  under  its  cover  the  mutineers 
made  an  attempt  to  burn  down  the  gates  of  the 
Baillie  Guard,  but  failed. 

They  were  soon  to  discover  that  two  could  play 
the  game  of  mining.  Captain  Fulton  had  hitherto 
been  content  with  foiling  the  attempts  of  the  enemy 
to  blow  up  the  various  posts  ;  but  he  now  determined 
to  take  the  offensive  in  mining.  It  was  the  only 
instance  during  the  siege. 

The  continual  damage  inflicted  by  the  guns  and 
musketry  firing  from  Johannes'  House  was  no  longer 
to  be  borne.  The  silencing  of  the  Cawnpore  battery 
had  enraged  the  British  officers  and  soldiers  beyond 
endurance.  Johannes'  House  could  not  be  taken  by 
a  sortie.  The  enemy  held  it  in  overwhelming  force. 
There  was  only  one  resource,  and  that  was  to  mine 
under  it. 

Meanwhile  the  sepoys  were  exulting  over  their 
success  in  silencing  the  Cawnpore  battery.  When 


KISMET!  265 

there  was  a  lull  in  the  firing  the  strains  of  "  God 
save  the  Queen,"  and  "  Rule,  Britannia,"  played  in 
mockery  by  the  rebel  bands,  came  floating  over  the 
fortifications  from  the  city. 

That  exultation  was  destined  to  be  short-lived. 
For  three  days  the  miners,  under  the  direction  of 
M'Leod  and  Innes,  had  been  industriously  con- 
structing an  underground  passage  fifty  feet  long 
towards  Johannes'  House.  The  operation  was  kept 
a  profound  secret,  and  only  the  skilled  Cornish 
miners  of  the  32nd  were  employed.  All  had  orders 
to  work  with  as  little  noise  as  possible.  From  a 
fifty-feet  gallery  two  branches  extended  right  and 
left,  and  at  the  ends  of  these  branches  were  chambers 
where  the  charges  of  powder  were  to  be  laid.  Thus 
the  house  was  being  mined  in  two  places.  By  the 
2Oth  of  August  the  work  was  completed. 

It  was  arranged  that  on  the  mine  being  exploded 
two  sorties  should  be  made ;  and  in  the  early  dawn 
of  the  2 1st  a  fierce  fire  was  opened  on  the  doomed 
house  so  as  to  mislead  the  enemy. 

The  mining  had  been  carried  on  so  noiselessly 
that  the  rebels  suspected  nothing,  and  at  the  sound 
of  the  musket  shots  they  swarmed  into  Johannes' 
House  and  the  surrounding  buildings. 

"  We've  got  them  like  rats  in  a  trap,"  said 
Fulton  grimly.  "  Look  at  the  beggars  crowding  in, 
sergeant." 

"  The  more  the  merrier,  sir,"  returned  the  sergeant. 

The  two  men  were  peeping  through  a  couple  of 
loopholes.  They  could  see  the  dusky  forms  of  the 
sepoys  moving  about,  and  in  a  very  short  time  lights 
began  to  appear  at  the  windows. 

For  a  minute  or  so  the  men  remained  silent.     The 


266  LOVE  BESIEGED 

eastern  sky  was  just  tinged  with  gold,  the  sun  itself 
was  not  yet  sufficiently  high  to  be  seen.  Scores, 
maybe  hundreds,  of  the  men  who  were  rushing 
hither  and  thither,  like  ants  in  a  disturbed  nest,  had 
gazed  upon  the  sun  for  the  last  time. 

"  What  time,  sir,  is  the  mine  to  be  fired  ?  "  asked 
the  sergeant,  after  a  pause. 

"  At  four  o'clock,"  returned  the  captain. 

"  And  it's  now  five  minutes  to." 

Five  minutes  !  It  seemed  like  five  hours,  so  slowly 
did  the  time  pass. 

Suddenly  there  was  a  low  rumble,  the  earth 
trembled ;  then,  simultaneously  with  a  vast  up- 
heaval, there  came  a  terrific  report,  and  the  four 
walls  of  Johannes'  house — a  big  building  fifty  feet 
long — parted  and  fell  outwards. 

One  huge  cloud  of  smoke  and  dust  obliterated 
everything.  Before  it  cleared  away  the  two  sortie 
parties  were  across  the  intervening  space,  and  were 
attacking  the  adjoining  buildings. 

The  rebels  were  wholly  demoralised.  Practically 
there  was  no  resistance.  They  fled  for  their  lives. 
The  assailants  had  brought  with  them  charges  of 
powder,  and  one  by  one  the  dwellings  adjacent 
were  levelled  to  the  ground. 

A  ringing  cheer  went  up  when  it  was  seen  that 
henceforth  the  Cawnpore  battery  could  not  be 
molested.  The  once  commanding  structure  from 
the  roof  of  which  a  deadly  fire  could  be  poured  on 
the  unprotected  gunners  was  a  mass  of  ruins. 
Before  sunset  the  guns  in  the  battery  were  manned, 
and  were  never  again  silenced. 

Previous  to  the  explosion  there  had  come  a 
strange,  an  ominous  silence.  The  firing  on  both 


KISMET!  267 

sides  had  ceased.  Jean  for  two  days  had  been 
waiting  her  opportunity  to  cross  to  Dr  Fayrer's 
house.  She  had  become  impatient  to  see  Hawke. 
She  burned  to  make  it  straight  with  him  about 
Azimoolah.  Desperation  had  seized  her.  She  did 
not  care  if  Hawke  renewed  his  fierce  love-making 
or  not. 

She  had  no  difficulty  in  slipping  away  unnoticed. 
The  Begum  Kothee,  situated  in  the  very  centre  of 
the  position,  was  in  no  danger  of  being  surprised. 
Indeed,  this  house  was  not  garrisoned  by  military 
now,  but  left  in  charge  of  civilians.  Jean  had  no 
sentries  to  challenge  her  on  her  way  to  the  open  air. 

She  hurried  along,  keeping  close  to  the  various 
houses.  For  the  moment  there  seemed  to  be  no 
danger.  Suddenly  she  heard  the  unmistakable  rattle 
of  musketry  towards  the  south.  She  trembled,  and 
for  a  few  paces  her  footsteps  faltered  ;  for  though 
by  habit  the  women  got  used  to  guns  and  musketry, 
the  firing  never  ceased  to  cause  a  chill  at  their 
hearts  when  it  ushered  in  another  day. 

Jean  involuntarily  turned  in  the  direction  of  the 
firing.  She  saw  nothing  for  a  few  seconds ;  then  a 
column  of  fire  shot  into  the  air,  succeeded  by  a  dense 
cloud  of  smoke.  It  was  not  the  first  time  Jean  had 
seen  a  mine  exploded ;  but  hitherto  all  the  mines 
had  been  the  work  of  the  enemy,  and  she  took  it 
for  granted  that  this  was  one  of  the  series. 

A  horrible  feeling  of  terror  seized  her.  What  if 
this  explosion  was  succeeded  by  a  successful  onslaught 
by  the  enemy  ?  Only  three  days  before,  one  daring 
sepoy  had  set  foot  within  the  fortifications.  He  was 
shot  down,  it  is  true.  But  what  of  that?  Others 
might  succeed  where  he  had  failed. 


268  LOVE   BESIEGED 

She  was  midway  between  the  Begum  Kothee  and 
the  hospital,  and  she  knew  not  whether  to  go  on  or 
return.  The  explosion  had  evidently  taken  the 
inmates  of  the  other  posts  by  surprise.  She  could 
see  heads  peeping  above  the  parapet  of  the  roof  of  the 
nearest  house. 

Then  came  a  pause  in  the  firing — a  silence.  This 
was  when  the  sortie  followed  the  blowing  up  of 
Johannes'  House.  The  silence  was  more  alarming 
even  than  the  sound  of  musketry. 

Her  strength  seemed  to  leave  her,  and  she  crept 
within  a  doorway  to  rest  for  a  minute  or  two  and 
recover  herself. 

She  sat  down  upon  the  broad  stone  step,  leaned 
against  the  inner  wall  of  the  doorway,  and  closed  her 
eyes. 

"Miss   Atherton !     Good  heavens!      Is  it  you?" 

She  looked  up.  Ernest  Lennard  was  standing  in 
front  of  her,  a  look  of  mingled  astonishment  and  pity 
in  his  eyes. 

The  faint  colour  rose  to  her  cheeks.  It  was 
embarrassing  for  her  to  explain — and  above  all,  to 
Ernest  Lennard. 

"  Are  you  ill  ?  "  he  inquired  gently. 

"  No,  I  am  quite  well.     I " 

She  scarcely  knew  what  to  say.  However,  she  rose 
to  her  feet  as  if  to  justify  her  assertion  that  she  was 
not  unwell,  and  stood  a  moment  or  two  perfectly 
silent.  She  longed  to  ask  him  what  news  he  had 
of  Jack  Hawke,  but  she  dared  not. 

Just  then  a  cheer  burst  from  the  roofs  of  the  houses. 
The  men  stationed  there  could  see  what  was  going 
on  now  that  the  smoke  had  cleared  away. 

"What  does  that  mean? "  she  cried.     "  I  heard  the 


KISMET!  269 

sound  of  an  explosion  just  now,  and  I  was  afraid 
something  serious  had  happened.  I  was  frightened 
and  so  I  crept  here." 

"  I'm  not  surprised  at  your  fright,"  said  he.  "  Only 
two  or  three  were  in  the  secret.  I  heard  last  night  an 
attempt  was  to  be  made  to  blow  up  Johannes'  House, 
and  I  gather  from  the  cheering  the  attempt  has  been 
successful.  But — forgive  my  inquisitiveness — how  is 
it  you're  here  ?  Of  course  you're  going  back  to  the 
Begum  Kothee  ?  May  I  accompany  you  ?  " 

"  I'm  not  going  back  there — at  least,  not  just  yet. 
I'm  going  to  Dr  Fayrer's.  I  have  special  reasons  for 
seeking  an  interview  with  Captain  Hawke." 

"  It's  a  risky  journey  undertaken  for  nothing,"  said 
the  doctor. 

"  Do  you  mean  I  sha'n't  see  him  ? "  she  repeated 
slowly,  her  voice  sinking  almost  to  a  whisper.  "  Has 
anything  happened " 

Her  face  suddenly  became  as  white  as  a  sheet,  and 
she  pressed  her  hands  convulsively  over  her  heart. 
Her  attitude,  her  expression,  the  slightly  parted, 
tremulous  lips,  the  grief-stricken  eyes  came  as  a 
revelation  to  Lennard.  No  woman,  unless  her  nature 
was  wrung  by  intense  love  suddenly  bereft,  could  look 
as  Jean  did  at  that  moment. 

"  Speak  ! "  she  cried  wildly.  "  Why  are  you  silent  ? 
O  God !  I  understand.  He's  dead,  and  you're 
afraid  to  tell  me.  Dead!  Dead!" 

She  threw  her  hands  above  her  head,  clutched  the 
pillar  of  a  verandah  near  which  she  was  standing, 
and  her  face  slowly  sank  on  her  arm. 

Her    terrible    grief    shocked    and   distressed   the 
surgeon,  though  it  assisted  in  his  enlightenment. 
"  You're  mistaken,"  said  he  gently.     "  Hawke  isn't 


270  LOVE  BESIEGED 

dead.  Forgive  me  for  misleading  you.  He  is  not 
in  the  garrison.  He  has  gone  on  a  dangerous  mission 
— disguised  as  a  native — among  the  enemy — to  learn 
news  of  General  Havelock." 

"  Ah !  how  brave,"  she  cried,  with  sparkling  eyes. 
"  And  you've  heard  news  of  him  ?  " 

"  No.  It's  hardly  possible.  We  shall  know 
nothing  until  he  returns.  How  long  that  will  be  no 
one  can  say.  He's  now  been  gone  five  days." 

Jean  made  no  reply.  Her  eyes  were  cast  down. 
A  strange  calmness  had  come  over  her.  Lennard 
realised  that  her  feelings  for  Captain  Hawke  were  of 
a  much  deeper  nature  than  mere  friendship,  and  he 
added : 

"  I've  great  faith  in  Captain  Hawke's  fertility  of 
resource  and  his  knowledge  of  Indian  customs  and 
ways,  and  I  think  he'll  return  safely.  And  now  that 
I've  learned  your  feelings  towards  him,  Miss  Atherton, 
I  hope  you  will  not  have  to  wait  long  before  you  see 
him." 

Jean  raised  her  eyes.    They  were  moist  and  shining. 

"  You're  the  most  generous  of  men,  Dr  Lennard," 
said  she  softly,  almost  humbly.  "  I'm  ashamed  I 
was  so  weak  just  now.  I  ought  to  have  had  more 
courage — more  control  over  myself.  You  forgive 
me,  don't  you?" 

"There's  no  forgiveness  needed.  It  was  as  well 
you  said  what  you  did.  Life  is  here  too  short — too 
uncertain  for  secrets.  If  you  really  love  Jack 
Hawke " 

He  stopped  confusedly.  Jean  intuitively  guessed 
the  cause  of  his  hesitation.  It  was  not  extraordinary, 
for  the  same  thought  was  in  the  minds  of  both.  She 
came  to  his  rescue. 


KISMET! 

"You're  thinking  of  that  scandalous,  malicious 
gossip  about  Azimoolah  Khan,"  said  she,  quite 
quietly. 

"  Yes,"  said  he,  in  a  tone  of  sudden  relief.  "  The 
story  then  has  reached  your  ears.  You've  seen 
Colonel  Inglis,  I  suppose,  and  he  has  given  you  the 
letters." 

"  I've  not  seen  Colonel  Inglis,  and  I've  seen  no 
letters.  I  don't  know  anything  about  letters.  Mrs 
Ross  was  my  informant.  She  told  me  what  she  said 
was  common  talk  in  Dr  Fayrer's  house.  So  kind  of 
her  to  let  me  know,  wasn't  it  ?  "  said  the  girl  ironically, 
"  especially  as  there  was  any  amount  of  falsehood  and 
misrepresentation." 

Lennard  stared  at  Jean  in  amazement. 

"Do  you  mean  to  say  that  Mrs  Ross  never  ex- 
plained that  letters  from  a  Lady  Constance  Harwood 
to  Azimoolah  Khan,  in  which  letters  you  were 
mentioned,  were  found  on  the  body  of  a  native 
believed  to  be  one  of  Azimoolah's  spies  ? "  he  cried. 

"  Not  a  word.  It's  the  first  time  I've  heard  of 
these  letters.  Who  found  them  ?  " 

"  Mrs  Ross  fetched  me  to  see  the  man.  He  was 
dead.  She  and  I  saw  the  letters  together." 

"  And  you  read  them,"  cried  Jean  hotly.  She  was 
stung  to  the  quick.  The  dissimulation,  the  treachery 
of  Mrs  Ross  were  at  the  bottom  of  her  resentment, 
but  she  was  angry  with  Lennard  as  well.  Lennard 
saw  this  plainly  enough.  He  had  done  nothing  to 
justify  Jean's  anger,  at  the  same  time  he  felt  as 
though  he  were  in  a  false  position. 

"Yes,  but  you  forget  that  the  letters  were  ad- 
dressed to  Azimoolah  Khan,  the  bitter,  the  crafty 
traitor,  the  fiend  of  Cawnpore,"  he  rejoined  quietly. 


272  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"  But  why  was  I  kept  in  the  dark  ?  You  at 
least,  Dr  Lennard,  might  have  told  me  about 
these  letters — especially  after  you  had  made  your- 
self acquainted  with  the  contents,"  cried  Jean,  her 
indignation  rising. 

"  How  was  it  possible  ?  You  left  Dr  Fayrer's 
house.  You  were  at  the  Begum  Kothee.  For  the 
last  three  days  it  was  certain  death  to  go  from  one 
to  the  other." 

Jean  was  silent  for  a  brief  space.  The  argument 
was  just,  but  her  anger  had  not  cooled. 

"  Did  anyone  else  have  the  pleasure  of  reading 
Lady  Constance  Harwood's  correspondence?"  she 
went  on. 

"Captain  Fulton  was  on  the  spot,  and  it  was  of 
course  his  duty  not  only  to  read  the  letters  but  to 
take  them  to  Colonel  Inglis,  and  he  did  so." 

Not  a  word  did  Lennard  say  about  Jack  Hawke. 
After  Jean's  unpremeditated  confession  of  love  for 
Hawke,  he  would  not  breathe  a  syllable  to  wound 
her.  It  occurred  to  him  that  if  she  knew  Hawke 
had  read  the  letters  it  would  add  to  her  unhappiness. 
The  chances  were  she  would  never  see  Hawke  again. 
The  latter  had  undertaken  a  hazardous  mission. 
It  was  hardly  possible  he  would  return.  If  he  fell, 
it  was  better  that  Jean  should  think  he  had  died  in 
ignorance  of  the  scandal. 

"  Let  us  go  to  Colonel  Inglis.  Until  I  see  for 
myself  what  Lady  Constance  wrote,  I  sha'n't  be  able 
to  rest." 

"  You  can't  go  now,"  cried  Lennard.  "  It  would 
be  madness.  Wait  at  least  till  this  evening — after 
sunset." 

"  I  won't  wait  a  minute,"  she  returned  doggedly. 


KISMET !  273 

"  Dr  Lennard,  if  you  really  feel  that  friendship 
towards  me  you  talked  about  just  now,  you'd  help 
me.  But  it  doesn't  matter.  I've  come  from  the 
Begum  Kothee  by  myself.  I  suppose  I  can  find 
Colonel  Inglis  by  myself." 

Lennard  could  see  she  was  overwrought  —  that 
opposition  to  her  will  was  useless.  He  also  could 
guess  the  reason  of  her  determination.  It  was  to  be 
able  to  set  herself  right  in  the  eyes  of  the  man  she 
loved — Jack  Hawke. 

"Very  well,"  said  Lennard  calmly.  "Then  let 
us  go." 

He  extended  his  hand,  and  she  laid  her  soft  fingers 
in  his.  How  the  contact  thrilled  him !  Yet,  as  his 
hand  grasped  hers,  he  felt  as  though  he  were  signing 
his  own  death-warrant. 

He  gazed  at  her  glowing  face.  Her  eyes  met  his. 
She  started  at  the  expression  of  mingled  love  and 
despair  she  saw  written  there.  She  almost  shuddered. 
The  look  seemed  to  presage  misfortune. 

"  Dr  Lennard,"  said  she  suddenly.  "  We're  friends 
now,  so  you  must  obey  me.  Tell  me  where  I  shall 
find  Colonel  Inglis.  I'll  go  alone." 

"  Colonel  Inglis  is  at  the  Residency ;  but  if  you  go 
I  shall  accompany  you." 

"  I  would  rather  you  didn't." 

"  Why  ?  " 

"  I  can't  tell  you.     No,  you  mustn't." 

She  laid  her  hand  on  his  arm  and  looked  plead- 
ingly in  his  face.  He  drew  a  deep  breath,  and  was 
conscious  of  a  fluttering  at  his  heart.  She  had  never 
appeared  more  beautiful,  more  lovable,  than  at  that 
moment.  All  the  doubt  and  distrust  which  had  so 
tortured  him  for  the  past  three  days  disappeared. 


274  LOVE   BESIEGED 

What  did  it  matter  that  it  was  her  love  for  Jack 
Hawke  that  had  so  transformed  her. 

He  raised  her  hand  to  his  lips. 

"I've  given  you  my  word  that  I'll  help  you  to 
the  last.  I'm  not  the  one  to  withdraw  at  the 
first  approach  of  danger.  You  misjudge  me  now 
as  I  fear  you've  misjudged  me  for  some  time 
past." 

"  Don't  say  that.  At  any  rate,  if  I've  done  so, 
forget  it,"  said  she  softly. 

"  I  will— I  do.     Let  us  go." 

She  looked  at  him  wistfully.  It  was  strange  that 
within  a  brief  quarter  of  an  hour  there  should  have 
been  such  a  revulsion  of  feeling.  Never  had  she 
been  drawn  so  near  to  Ernest  Lennard  as  now.  Yet 
it  was  not  love.  There  was  not  an  atom  of  the 
senses  in  the  feeling  with  which  she  regarded  him  at 
that  moment.  It  was  pity — had  she  then  been 
capable  of  defining  her  feelings.  Yet  why  should 
she  pity  him,  save  for  the  reason  that  she  was  not 
able  to  love  him  ? 

They  started  on  the  journey.  In  the  distance 
could  be  seen  little  flashes  of  light,  a  puff  of  blue 
smoke  following  each  flash.  Occasionally  came  the 
whistle  of  a  bullet  close  to  their  ears. 

They  had  walked  about  a  dozen  yards,  when  Jean 
suddenly  stopped. 

"  I'd  rather  go  by  myself,  Dr  Lennard,  believe 
me,"  said  she. 

"  I  can  see  what  you  imply,"  said  he,  in  a  pained 
tone.  "  You  doubt  my  courage." 

"  No,  no,  no  !  "  she  cried  vehemently.  "  Dear 
friend,"  she  continued,  her  voice  modulating  into  a 
tenderness  which  found  a  responsive  echo  in 


KISMET !  275 

Lennard's  breast,  "  stay  here.  Don't  go  any  farther, 
I  entreat  you." 

"  And  after  speaking  to  me  like  that,  you  think  I 
shall  obey  ? "  said  he  reproachfully.  "  Don't  let  us 
argue  the  matter.  I'm  not  to  be  persuaded.  Some- 
times I'm  as  obstinate  as — as  you  are." 

She  smiled,  but  it  was  a  melancholy  smile. 

"  Very  well,"  she  answered, "  it  shall  be  as  you  say." 

They  were  at  that  moment  crossing  the  space 
between  Dr  Fayrer's  house  and  the  hospital.  The 
Residency  was  to  the  direct  west  of  the  hospital, 
and  the  nearest  way  would  have  been  in  a  diagonal 
direction  ;  but  when  the  bullets  were  flying  thick 
and  fast  it  was  wise  to  seek  any  shelter,  and  their 
intention  was  to  take  a  right-angled  path,  thus 
creeping  along  the  southern  wall  of  the  hospital. 

Between  the  western  wall  of  the  hospital  and  the 
nearest  point  of  the  Residency  was  a  distance  of 
something  like  two  hundred  yards,  and  this  was 
where  the  danger  was.  The  guns  of  the  enemy  and 
their  muskets  commanded  this  open  space. 

They  reached  the  hospital  wall  in  safety.  They 
crept  along  to  the  angle.  Then  they  hesitated  for  a 
moment,  waiting  for  a  lull  in  the  firing. 

At  last  it  came. 

"  Here's  our  chance,"  whispered  Lennard. 

He  held  out  his  hand,  and  she  accepted  it.  They 
were  about  to  start,  when  he  stopped  her. 

"  How  horribly  impolite  of  me !  "  said  he  lightly. 
"  Do  you  see,  I've  given  you  my  right  hand  instead 
of  my  left." 

"  What  does  it  matter  ?  But  you're  not  impolite. 
The  right  hand  is  the  proper  one,  if  there  be  any 
choice." 


276  LOVE   BESIEGED 

However,  he  had  already  moved  round,  and  they 
set  out  hand  in  hand. 

They  crossed  quite  half  the  distance  in  safety. 
Half-a-dozen  random  shots  went  by,  and  no  more. 
Then,  apparently,  they  became  visible  to  the  sharp- 
shooters, for  the  firing  suddenly  increased. 

"  Let  us  make  haste,"  cried  Jean. 

It  seemed  to  her  that  her  companion  was  slacken- 
ing his  pace. 

"  Yes,  yes,"  she  heard  him  say,  "  let  us  make 
haste." 

His  face  was  of  a  dusky  pallor,  his  eyes  were  dull ; 
the  pressure  of  his  fingers  upon  hers  suddenly 
tightened,  and  as  suddenly  relaxed. 

Before  she  could  say  a  word  his  knees  gave  way  ; 
he  staggered  a  couple  of  yards,  and  fell. 

There  was  no  need  for  Jean  to  ask  what  had 
happened.  He  was  shot.  Had  they  proceeded  as 
they  originally  started,  she  would  have  received  the 
bullet  by  which  he  had  been  struck ! 

Conscious  of  this,  she  knelt  by  his  side  and 
frantically  asked  what  she  could  do. 

"  Nothing,"  he  gasped.     "  My  time  has  come." 

"  And  you  died  for  me !  "  she  wailed. 

"  Why  not  ?     I — I  love  you,  Jean." 

He  could  only  whisper  the  words.  He  had  been 
shot  through  the  lungs.  The  bullet  had  entered  his 
chest  and  lodged  there. 

She  leaned  over  him  and  put  her  lips  to  his,  which 
already  were  icy  cold. 

A  tender,  loving  smile  lighted  up  his  glassy  eyes 
for  a  moment  and  then  died  away.  As  a  loud  sob 
burst  from  the  girl,  he  breathed  his  last. 

In  an  agony  of  grief,  Jean  gazed  at  him.     She 


KISMET!  277 

could  scarcely  believe  he  was  dead.  It  was  not  the 
first  time  she  had  seen  death  come  without  warning ; 
but,  let  it  come  as  often  as  it  would,  its  terror,  its 
mystery,  never  altered. 

What  could  she  do  ?  She  was  helpless,  stunned. 
Only  five  minutes  before  she  had  rejoiced  in  her 
reconciliation  with  Ernest  Lennard,  and  now — well, 
after  all,  there  was  something  in  the  creed  of  the 
fatalist  Kismet — it  was  to  be ! 


CHAPTER  XX 

IN   THE  SECRET  PASSAGE 

UNDER  the  scorching  sun,  Hawke  and  Hasun  Khan 
trudged  along  the  dusty  Cawnpore  road,  on  their 
way  back  to  Lucknow.  The  only  shade  was  that 
furnished  by  a  clump  of  trees  about  two  miles  from 
where  the  sepoy  met  them.  Hawke  would  have 
lingered  here  till  evening,  but  Hasun  Khan  was  in 
an  agony  of  fear.  His  imagination  conjured  up 
pursuit. 

"  No,  no,  brother,  there's  safety  nowhere  but  in 
Lucknow,"  he  muttered  through  his  chattering  teeth. 
"  On— on  !  ' 

Hawke  saw  it  was  no  use  protesting.  Indeed,  it 
would  have  been  imprudent.  It  might  have  raised 
the  man's  suspicions.  He  could  have  separated 
himself  from  the  Mohammedan  and  gone  on  to 
Havelock,  but  nothing  was  to  be  gained  by  this. 
It  was  more  important  for  him  to  hasten  back  to 
the  Residency  with  the  news  of  Azimoolah's  defeat 
at  Bithoor.  Besides,  he  did  not  intend  losing  sight 
of  Hasun  Khan  until  he  knew  more  about  the 
secret  passage  from  the  city  to  the  Residency, 
which  the  fellow  had  said  was  known  only  to  him 
and  Azimoolah. 

On  their  second  day's  tramp,  several  stragglers 
from  the  fight  at  Bithoor  overtook  them.  They 
confirmed  the  mounted  sepoy's  story,  and  brought 

278 


IN   THE   SECRET  PASSAGE        279 

later  news.  Azimoolah  had  collected  the  remnant 
of  his  forces  and  was  hastening  back  to  Lucknow  by 
a  roundabout  road. 

More  important  was  the  tidings  that  Havelock 
was  unable  to  continue  the  pursuit.  His  men,  ex- 
hausted by  an  eight  hours'  march  under  a  broiling 
sun,  followed  by  a  fiercer  battle  than  they  had 
hitherto  fought,  could  do  no  more.  Havelock  had 
no  alternative  but  to  retreat  to  Cawnpore. 

This  was  bitter  news  to  Hawke. 

"  My  God !  "  he  muttered.  "  Havelock's  delay  may 
seal  the  doom  of  the  Residency." 

Hawke  would  have  been  still  more  despondent 
had  he  known  the  tidings  which  were  awaiting  the 
heroic  general  on  his  return  to  Cawnpore.  Opening 
a  copy  of  The  Calcutta  Gazette,  Havelock  saw  that 
he  had  been  superseded  in  his  command  by  his  old 
friend  and  commander  in  Persia,  General  Outram. 

At  that  time  the  full  extent  of  Havelock's  marvel- 
lous campaign  was  not  known,  or  the  command 
would  never  have  been  taken  from  him.  Extending 
only  from  the  I2th  of  July,  when  he  started  from 
Allahabad,  to  the  i6th  of  August,  this  campaign  has 
no  parallel  in  the  military  history  of  British  India. 
On  no  former  occasion  had  European  troops  been 
required  to  march  and  fight  in  circumstances  so 
adverse,  under  a  deadly  sun  or  amidst  torrents 
of  rain,  often  fasting  for  twenty-four  hours,  and 
generally  without  tents,  with  no  bed  after  their 
victories  but  the  saturated  ground,  and  no  shelter 
but  that  which  the  trees  afforded,  carrying  with 
them  their  sick  and  their  wounded,  and  all  their 
supplies,  and  suffering  more  from  pestilence  than 
from  the  weapons  of  the  enemy. 


280  LOVE   BESIEGED 

It  was  under  all  these  disadvantages  that,  in  this 
brief  period  of  five  weeks,  they  had  fought  nine 
actions  against  overwhelming  odds,  with  troops 
disciplined,  and  for  the  most  part  armed  like  them- 
selves, and  had  been  everywhere  victorious  without 
a  single  check. 

A  large  portion  consisted  of  raw  recruits,  who  had 
never  before  heard  the  whistle  of  an  enemy's  bullet ; 
but  such  marching  and  such  fighting  had  turned 
the  survivors  into  hardy  veterans,  ready  for  any 
emergency. 

So  great  was  the  confidence  the  men  had  acquired 
in  themselves,  in  their  comrades,  and  in  their  leader, 
that  they  never  dreamed  of  a  defeat,  and  never 
marched  to  action  without  feeling  certain  of  victory. 

Such  were  the  men,  who,  as  "  Havelock's  Iron- 
sides," have  earned  immortality  for  themselves. 

This  is  all  now  a  matter  of  history.  At  the  time 
news  came  so  slowly,  and  was  so  confusing  when  it 
did  come,  only  those  with  Havelock  could  fully 
realise  the  stupendous  difficulties  he  surmounted. 
But  men  like  Hawke,  who  had  served  under  Have- 
lock,  knew  and  believed  in  him,  and  it  was  as  well 
Hawke  was  in  ignorance  of  the  injustice  which  had 
been  done. 

Hasun  Khan's  delight  that  the  English  had  been 
checked  was  unbounded. 

"Aha,"  he  grinned.  "The  next  fight  will  be 
under  the  walls  of  Lucknow.  What  then — eh, 
brother,  what  then  ?  " 

Hawke  shrugged  his  shoulders  and  forced  a 
laugh. 

That  night  the  two  entered  Lucknow.  Azimoolah 
had  not  arrived,  but  there  were  scores  of  men  from 


IN   THE   SECRET  PASSAGE        281 

his  command.  They  were  coming  in  every  hour 
and  from  all  directions  eastward.  Azimoolah  was 
expected  the  next  day. 

"  Allah  be  praised,  we  shall  then  see  him,"  cried 
Hasun  Khan.  "You  will  return  the  golden  fish 
and  tell  him  what  you  have  done  and  what  you 
have  learned  in  the  Residency." 

Hawke  had  made  out  to  Hasun  Khan  that  he  had 
been  sent  as  a  spy  to  the  besieged  garrison. 

"Oh,  I'm  expected  to  give  up  the  talisman,  am  I," 
thought  Hawke.  "  I  know  a  trick  worth  two  of 
that.  I'm  not  going  to  take  the  risk  of  an  interview 
with  the  scoundrel.  One  of  two  things  will  happen 
— either  he'll  spot  me  or  I  shall  lose  my  temper  and 
betray  myself." 

"  I  shall  not  wait  to  see  Azimoolah,"  said  Hawke. 
"  I  must  obey  his  orders.  I  was  to  return  to  the 
Residency  if  I  could  not  join  him  at  Bithoor." 

"How  did  you  know  he  was  at  Bithoor?"  de- 
manded Hasun  Khan  suspiciously.  "Was  it  not  I 
who  told  you  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  returned  Hawke,  his  eyes  blazing.  "  You 
had  a  long  tongue.  You  did  not  know  me,  yet  you 
betrayed  to  me  Azimoolah's  secrets." 

"  Betrayed  !  "  faltered  Hasun  Khan.  "  How  ? 
Did  you  not  have  the  royal  talisman — the  golden 
fish  of  Oudh  ? " 

"  And  did  you  know  how  I  came  by  the  talisman  ? 
Might  I  not  have  murdered  Azimoolah's  spy  and 
robbed  him  ?  I  allowed  you  to  talk  and  you  told 
me  everything.  What  if  I  were  to  let  Azimoolah 
know  of  your  faithlessness,  your  indiscretion?" 

Hasun  Khan  trembled  from  head  to  foot.  Jack 
Hawke's  acting  was  splendid.  It  was  his  intention 


282  LOVE   BESIEGED 

to  frighten  the  Mohammedan,  and  he  succeeded. 
He  went  on  to  reduce  the  man  to  a  state  of  absolute 
submission. 

"No  harm  has  been  done,  but  I  shall  report  to 
Azimoolah  that  you  are  not  worthy  of  his  confidence," 
he  continued  haughtily. 

"  No  —  no  —  you  say  I  have  done  no  wrong," 
whimpered  Hasun  Khan,  suddenly  throwing  himself 
on  the  ground. 

"  I  said  you  had  done  no  harm — fortunately.  But 
you  are  not  to  be  trusted.  You  talk  too  much. 
Azimoolah  suspected  this.  He  instructed  me  to 
watch  you.  I  have  done  it.  Until  we  both  meet 
Azimoolah  face  to  face,  you  will  obey  me — yes,  by 
virtue  of  this  which  no  man  of  Oudh  has  ever  refused 
to  honour." 

He  flashed  the  golden  emblem  before  the  eyes  of 
the  grovelling  wretch.  The  whole  thing  was  a  pure 
piece  of  bluff.  It  answered  its  purpose.  The  effect 
was  heightened  by  Hawke's  fingers  toying  with  the 
hilt  of  the  native  sword  dangling  from  his  waist- 
band. 

"  What  does  my  lord  desire  ? "  mumbled  the 
Mohammedan. 

"  I  have  told  you  my  orders  are  to  return  to  the 
Residency.  I  escaped  from  the  Cawnpore  battery  to 
Johannes' House.  I  can't  go  back  that  way.  Johannes* 
House  is  now  a  heap  of  ruins.  It's  certain  death 
night  or  day  to  cross  in  front  of  the  feringhee  rifles. 
That  secret  passage  of  yours — the  passage  known 
only  to  you  and  Azimoolah — take  me  to  it." 

"  I — I  have  sworn  to  Azimoolah  never  to  betray 
where  it  is,"  stammered  Hasun  Khan. 

"Dog!"   thundered    Hawke.      "Do   you    refuse? 


IN   THE   SECRET   PASSAGE        283 

Has  not  Azimoolah  handed  me  his  power  by  virtue 
of  this  symbol  ?    By  Allah,  you  are  not  fit  to  live " 

Hawke's  sword  flashed  from  its  scabbard.  It  was 
enough.  Hasun  bowed  his  head  and  poured  out  a 
string  of  abject  apologies.  Hawke  condescended  to 
be  appeased. 

"  It  is  enough.     Come — the  passage.     At  once  !  " 

The  Mohammedan  was  effectually  cowed.  He 
rose  from  his  knees  and  without  another  word  led  the 
way  through  the  narrow,  noisome  lanes  to  the  north 
of  the  city,  eventually  emerging  on  the  marshy  ground 
bordering  the  river  Gumti.  The  sullen  roar  of  cannon, 
the  fitful  fire  of  musketry  from  besieged  and  besiegers, 
followed  them. 

Skirting  the  Residency,  Hasun  Khan  plodded 
towards  a  little  native  village  some  two  miles  away 
to  the  east. 

The  ground  surrounding  the  village  was  very 
broken  and  stony.  Here  and  there  were  deep  excava- 
tions. These  excavations  —  quarries,  they  might 
almost  be  called — yielded  the  peculiar  stone  of  which 
the  houses  in  Oudh  are  built. 

Keeping  a  watchful  eye  on  Hasun  Khan,  Hawke 
followed  him  to  a  distant  part  of  the  excavation?f 
where  the  work  had  evidently  ceased  for  many  years. 
Here  was  virtually  a  jungle.  The  two  men  pushed 
through  the  dense  vegetation  and  entered  a  species 
of  ravine. 

The  walls  of  this  ravine  became  higher  the  farther 
they  went,  and  soon  towered  over  their  heads. 
Suddenly  the  Mohammedan  stopped  and  pointed  to 
a  narrow  opening  in  the  rock. 

"  That  is  the  beginning  of  the  passage.  You  must 
be  careful  when  you  have  gone  about  a  quarter  of  a 


284  LOVE   BESIEGED 

mile.  Here  the  passage  splits  into  two.  One  way 
leads  to  Fyzabad " 

"  Are  you  telling  me  a  lie?"  broke  in  Hawke  roughly. 
"  Fyzabad  is  fifty  miles  away.  Fifty  miles  under- 
ground !  I  can't  believe  it" 

"Why  not?  When  our  princes  ruled,  what  was 
time — money — labour?  They  said,  let  a  thing  be 
done,  and  it  was  done." 

Hasun  Khan  did  not  exaggerate.  The  passage 
was  constructed  by  one  of  the  kings  of  Oudh,  at  the 
time  when  Fyzabad  was  the  capital  and  Lucknow 
comparatively  unknown.  It  was  said  that  the  secret 
of  its  whereabouts  was  known  only  to  the  ruling 
monarch. 

"  Very  well.  I  take  it  you're  speaking  the  truth," 
went  on  Hawke,  in  the  brusque  tone  he  had  used 
before.  "  One  way  leads  to  Fyzabad.  Go  on." 

Hasun  Khan  glanced  uneasily  at  Hawke.  The 
latter  no  longer  spoke  after  the  manner  of  the  native, 
but  the  Mohammedan  dared  not  say  anything : 
Hawke  at  that  moment  looked  particularly  aggressive. 

"  It  led  to  Fyzabad  once.  It  no  longer  does  so. 
The  roof  fell  in  many  years  ago,  and  the  passage  is 
blocked  up.  The  other  way  will  take  you  where  you 
want  to  go — beneath  the  Residency.  Good  luck  be 
with  you.  I  shall  report  to  Azimoolah  where  you 
have  gone.  You  will  come  back  to  him  with  your 
news." 

Hasun  Khan  made  a  gesture  of  farewell,  and  was 
about  to  turn  when  Hawke's  hand  descended  heavily 
upon  him. 

"  So  you'd  like  to  sneak  away,  would  you  ?  You'll 
do  nothing  of  the  kind." 

The  face  of  Hasun    Khan  went  a  sickly  yellow. 


IN   THE   SECRET   PASSAGE        285 

Hawke  had  spoken  in  his  natural  voice,  and — in 
English !  Again  the  Mohammedan  went  on  his 
knees,  and  in  abject  terror  mumbled  an  appeal  for 
mercy. 

"  You  shall  have  as  much  mercy  as  you  deserve. 
We'll  talk  about  that  later  on.  Just  now  the  most 
important  thing  is  a  lamp.  Jack  Hawke  doesn't 
travel  in  the  dark  with  such  scum  as  you." 

"  Sahib  Hawke "  stammered  the  terrified  man. 

"  I  guess  you  haven't  forgotten  me — nor  my  foot 
either.  Get  up,  and  thank  Allah  I  don't  hurry  your 
movements  with  this." 

Hawke  tapped  the  hilt  of  his  sword  signifi- 
cantly. 

Hasun  Khan  stood  tremblingly  awaiting  Hawke's 
orders.  They  returned  to  the  village,  and  the  Moham- 
medan borrowed  a  lamp  and  oil  from  an  old  man} 
who  had  not  the  slightest  suspicion  Hawke  was  not  a 
native. 

Once  more  Hawke  and  Hasun  Khan  were  at  the 
opening  in  the  ravine.  The  Mohammedan  sub- 
missively obeyed  Hawke's  orders.  He  had  a  whole- 
some respect  for  the  Englishman's  muscles,  the 
strength  of  which  he  had  experienced  in  the  old 
days. 

Lighting  the  lamp,  Hasun  Khan  squeezed  his  way 
into  the  passage,  Hawke,  with  his  stalwart  form, 
having  to  go  sideways  for  some  two  or  three  yards. 
The  passage  then  widened  and  soon  became  a  cavern 
of  probably  forty  feet  in  length.  At  the  extreme  end 
the  roof  gradually  sloped  downward,  until  they  were 
unable  to  stand  upright,  and  finally  were  obliged  to 
crawl  on  their  hands  and  knees.  Once  more  they 
were  in  a  passage,  much  wider  than  that  which  formed 


286  LOVE   BESIEGED 

the  entrance,  but  so  low  pitched  that  their  crawling 
became  little  more  than  a  wriggle. 

The  heat  was  great,  the  air  stifling,  but  Hawke 
took  no  heed.  He  had  done  too  much  mining  for  his 
surroundings  to  have  any  effect  on  him.  Neverthe- 
less he  was  glad  enough  when  he  was  able  once  more 
to  stand  upright. 

"  Give  me  the  lamp,"  said  Hawke.  "  Go  on  in 
front.  I'll  let  you  have  plenty  of  light." 

For  anything  he  knew,  the  Mohammedan  might 
lead  him  into  a  trap,  and  he  was  determined  not  to 
be  taken  by  surprise.  He  made  Hasun  Khan  there- 
fore walk  quite  a  yard  in  front  of  him. 

The  ground  was  uneven.  It  was  strewn  with  loose 
pieces  of  stone,  over  which  they  now  and  again 
stumbled.  The  air  became  more  stifling  the  farther 
they  went.  The  lamp  smelt  vilely  and  added  its 
odour  to  that  of  the  earth. 

Soon  mouth  and  throat  became  parched  with 
thirst.  Their  feet  raised  clouds  of  suffocating  dust. 
This  was  caused  by  the  soft  limestone  called  kunkur, 
the  only  form  in  which  lime  is  found  in  Oudh  for 
building  purposes  and  road  pavements.  It  is  usually 
met  with  in  large  lumps,  in  the  centre  of  which  is  a 
nucleus  of  flint. 

They  had  been  in  the  passage  probably  an  hour, 
when  all  at  once  Hasun  Khan  stopped. 

"Do  you  hear,  sahib?  "  said  he  huskily. 

Sounds  of  tapping,  regular  and  mechanical,  could 
be  distinctly  heard.  Hawke  knew  the  noise. 

"  Sapping,  by  Jove  !  "  he  muttered.  "  Our  men  or 
the  rebels  ?  " 

His  life  depended  on  which  way  the  question  was 
answered.  Nevertheless  he  determined  to  push  on 


IN   THE   SECRET   PASSAGE        287 

Not  so  Hasun  Khan.  The  man  was  in  a  cleft  stick. 
If  the  sappers  were  English,  it  meant  his  death.  If 
they  were  his  own  countrymen,  his  doom  would  be 
equally  sealed.  It  would  not  be  believed  that  he 
was  not  a  traitor  who  had  betrayed  to  his  companion, 
an  Englishman,  the  existence  of  the  secret  passage, 
He  begged  abjectly  to  be  allowed  to  return.  He 
had  kept  faith  with  "  his  lordship  " — would  not  his 
lordship  release  him  ? 

"  His  lordship  will  do  nothing  of  the  kind,"  said 
Hawke  coolly.  "  I  and  you,  Hasun  Khan,  are  going 
on  to  the  bitter  end — whatever  that  end  may  be." 

Hasun  Khan  wrung  his  hands  and  whimpered, 
His  entreaties,  his  terror,  had  no  effect.  Hawke 
threatened  to  put  a  bullet  through  him  if  he  refused 
to  go  on.  He  had  to  obey. 

The  noises  became  more  distinct.  First  came  the 
stroke,  followed  by  the  rattling  of  hard  soil.  It  was 
clear  the  miners  were  drawing  very  near. 

"  Stop,"  commanded  Hawke. 

They  were  opposite  the  place  where  the  sappers 
were  working.  Hawke's  injunction  came  just  in 
time.  A  crash,  blinding,  choking  dust,  and  a  heap  of 
limestone  blocked  farther  progress.  To  the  right 
was  a  big  jagged  gap. 

"  By  Jove,  the  devils  have  been  before  us  ! "  cried 
a  voice,  which  Hawke  had  no  difficulty  in  deciding 
was  Fulton's. 

Fulton  naturally  took  the  passage  to  be  the  work 
of  rebel  sappers.  The  light  of  the  lamp  Hawke  was 
carrying  was  luckily  so  feeble,  and  the  air  so  thick 
with  dust,  Fulton  was  ignorant  anybody  was  in  the 
passage.  Otherwise  his  revolver  would  have  been 
at  work. 


288  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"Hullo— hullo !"  yelled  Hawke.  "Bravo, 

Fulton !  Glad  to  find  you  busy." 

"  Who  the  devil  is  that  ?  "  was  Fulton's  reply. 

"Jack  Hawke." 

The  next  moment  the  two  had  grasped  hands. 

"  My  dear  old  Jack  !  What  news  ?  "  cried  Fulton. 
"  What  about  Havelock  ?  " 

"  Havelock's  doing  just  what  you  might  expect — 
pegging  away.  But " 

"  What  does  that '  but '  mean  ?  " 

"  After  thrashing  Azimoolah  and  the  rascals  under 
him,  at  Bithoor,  he's  had  to  return  to  Cawnpore  to 
recoup.  That's  the  story  latest  to  hand.  I  don't 
vouch  for  its  truth,  mind.  It's  likely,  anyhow, 
and " 

Hawke  jerked  himself  round.  He  had,  in  the 
excitement  of  meeting  Fulton,  forgotten  Hasun 
Khan.  The  latter  was  nowhere  to  be  seen.  He 
had  taken  advantage  of  the  situation  to  escape. 
Hawke  did  not  intend  that  he  should,  and  to  the 
astonishment  of  Fulton  plunged  into  the  darkness. 

In  less  than  five  minutes  he  reappeared,  dragging 
with  him  the  wretched  Mohammedan. 

"  Put  this  man  in  irons,  Fulton,"  he  cried.  "  He's 
Azimoolah's  spy!  Treat  him  well.  He's  likely  to 
be  useful — to  me  as  well  as  to  the  garrison.  I  must 
see  General  Inglis  at  once.  Will  you  come  with  me, 
Fulton?" 

Within  the  next  hour  the  three — General  Inglis 
Fulton  and  Hawke — were  closeted  together,  and 
Hawke  went  over  his  adventures.  The  two  most 
important  points  discussed  were,  firstly,  Havelock's 
victory  at  Bithoor  and  his  compulsory  delay,  and  the 
contemplated  attack  on  the  Residency  by  Azimoolah 


"  Bravo,  Fulton!     Glad  to  find  you  busy." 


IN   THE  SECRET  PASSAGE        289 

Khan,  for  which,  according  to  Hasun  Khan,  prepara- 
tions were  being  made. 

"  By  Jove ! "  exclaimed  Fulton,  "  I  can  see  now 
the  meaning  of  that  battery  the  enemy  have  been 
constructing  opposite  the  Baillie  Guard,  at  what  they 
call  the  Lutkun  Durwaza  Gate.  They've  mounted 
two  confoundedly  heavy  guns  there,  but  I  think, 
when  they  open  fire,  we  shall  give  them  an  effective 
retort  with  our  counter  battery  on  the  left  of  the 
Baillie  Guard.  A  present  it's  masked.  Aitken's 
sepoys  hold  it,  and  hold  it  well.  The  question  is, 
when  will  the  beggars  begin  the  attack  ?  I  suppose 
Hasun  Kkan  didn't  tell  you  that  ?  " 

"  No ;  and  it's  doubtful  whether  he  knows.  It 
all  depends  how  soon  Azimoolah  reaches  Lucknow. 
He  won't  lose  any  time,  I'll  bet,"  returned  Hawke. 
"  He  must  know  that  Havelock  will  be  soon  on  the 
march." 

Captain  Fulton  determined  to  survey  the  city  and 
endeavour  to  ascertain  from  what  point  the  attack 
was  likely  to  come. 

He  and  Hawke  ascended  to  the  top  of  the  tower 
of  the  Residency.  All  they  could  settle  was  that  a 
number  of  men  were  tramping  towards  the  city  along 
the  eastern  and  southern  roads. 

"Those  must  be  some  of  the  Bithoor  rabble 
coming  in,"  said  Fulton.  "  Ungad  says  the  Nana's 
escaped  and  is  now  in  Lucknow." 

"Then  if  the  Nana's  here,  Azimoolah  isn't  far 
oft" 

Ungad,  whose  services  as  a  messenger  were  invalu- 
able, arrived   a  few  hours  before   Hawke,  and  had 
brought  a  letter  from  Havelock  in  the  usual  receptacle, 
a  quill  sealed  at  both  ends. 
T 


290  LOVE   BESIEGED 

It  ran  as  follows  : — 

"I  have  your  letter  of  the  i6th  instant.  I  can 
only  say,  do  not  negotiate,  but  rather  perish  sword 
in  hand.  Sir  Colin  Campbell,  who  came  out  at  a 
day's  notice  to  command,  upon  the  news  arriving  of 
General  Anson's  death,  promises  me  fresh  troopsi 
and  you  will  be  my  first  care.  The  reinforcements 
may  reach  me  in  from  twenty  to  twenty-five  days, 
and  I  will  prepare  everything  for  a  march  on 
Lucknow." 

Nothing  could  be  gained  by  remaining  any  longer 
on  the  tower,  and  the  two  men  descended.  Both 
were  struck  by  the  unusual  quietude  which  prevailed. 
It  seemed  to  be  a  foreboding  of  disaster.  It  was  a 
curious  fact  that,  so  accustomed  had  the  garrison 
become  to  the  constant,  unceasing  crack  of  the 
enemy's  musketry,  that  they  felt  uncomfortable  if 
they  did  not  hear  it 

A  quiet  day  was  generally  the  precursor  of  a  mine 
explosion  or  of  an  assault.  And  here,  too,  was 
another  noticeable  fact.  On  the  quiet  days  more 
men  were  lost  than  on  the  fighting  days.  The  ex- 
planation was  simple.  During  the  fighting  days  the 
men  were  careful  to  keep  under  cover,  and  to  kill 
without,  if  possible,  exposing  themselves  to  being 
killed.  But  when  there  was  no  absolute  fighting 
a  few  well-aimed  shots  from  the  late  king's  African 
retainers,  and  other  first-rate  sharpshooters,  often 
deprived  the  besieged  of  three,  four,  and  even  more 
stout  English  hearts. 

All  that  night  the  garrisons  were  on  the  alert. 
Not  a  sound  was  heard,  but  early  in  the  morning 


IN  THE   SECRET  PASSAGE        291 

large  masses  of  men  were  seen  moving  about  the 
city. 

At  ten  o'clock  great  alarm  was  caused  by  the  loud 
explosion  of  a  mine  in  the  direction  of  the  bastion 
of  Gubbins'  battery. 

The  report  was  so  close  and  loud,  and  the  air  was 
at  the  moment  so  darkened  by  smoke  and  by  the 
numerous  weighty  fragments  of  earth  which  were 
falling  and  crashing  everywhere  about  and  over 
the  house,  that  all  believed  the  bastion  had  been 
blown  up. 

A  mine  had,  indeed,  been  exploded  close  to  it,  but 
an  error  in  calculating  the  distance  was  sufficiently 
great  to  prevent  injury.  The  sepoys  were  industrious 
miners,  but  the  blunders  they  made  in  the  direction 
of  the  mines  were  incredible. 

The  mine  had  been  a  large  one,  as  was  evidenced 
by  the  size  of  the  gap  in  the  earth,  and  the  shock  it 
gave  to  all  the  houses  throughout  the  position. 

The  enemy  soon  came  out  in  force  against 
Gubbins'  battery,  and,  fixing  a  huge  ladder,  with 
double  rows  of  rungs  so  as  to  allow  of  two  or  more 
men  mounting  abreast,  at  the  mouth  of  the  i8-pounder 
embrasure,  attempted  to  escalade.  But  it  was  an 
attempt  only.  They  did  not  show  their  faces,  but 
thrust  the  muzzles  of  their  muskets  into  the  embrasure 
and  fired. 

They  were  speedily  dislodged  by  Major  Apthorpe 
and  the  men  of  the  32nd  with  hand  grenades  and 
musket  shots,  while  the  sharpshooters  kept  up  a 
heavy  fire  upon  them. 

The  loss  of  the  enemy  was  very  great,  while  that 
of  the  defenders  was  exceedingly  trifling. 

While    the  attack  on    Gubbins'   was    going    on, 


292  LOVE  BESIEGED 

another  mine  was  sprung  at  the  middle  of  the 
brigade  mess,  and  no  doubt  the  one  at  the  Financial 
Commissioner's  post  would  have  been  exploded  as 
well  but  for  Fulton's  vigilance.  He  was  at  work  all 
night  and  destroyed  it. 

But  the  enemy  were  not  discouraged  ;  and,  putting 
up  with  the  failure  of  their  mines,  they  opened  out 
with  their  newly  constructed  battery  at  the  Lutkun 
Durwaza.  Crash  came  shot  after  shot  at  the  Baillie 
Guard  Gate.  Very  little  damage  was  done.  The 
stonework  of  the  gate  itself  was  massive,  and  the 
gateway  had  been  filled  up  with  an  enormous  mound 
of  earth,  in  which  the  roundshot  buried  itself 
harmlessly. 

"  All  right,  my  lads,"  said  Aitken,  who  was  in 
charge  of  the  masked  battery,  "we'll  return  the 
compliment  now  we  know  where  you  are." 

He  gave  the  order.  The  i8-pounder  and  the 
24-pounder  howitzer,  of  which  the  battery  consisted, 
suddenly  belched  forth  fire  and  death,  to  the  con- 
sternation of  the  enemy's  gunners. 

Azimoolah's  efforts  at  the  Lutkun  Durwaza  had 
failed,  and  the  rebel  troops,  which  had  been  massed 
waiting  for  the  opening,  were  drawn  up  uselessly. 
From  that  day  the  rebels  never  attempted  an  assault 
nor  a  close  attack  on  any  single  post. 

The  result  was  that,  while  the  enemy's  efforts  had 
become  feeble,  the  defence  was  practically  assured. 


CHAPTER  XXI 

CAPTAIN   FULTON,  THE  REAL   DEFENDER   OF 
LUCKNOW 

NOT  until  it  was  quite  certain  the  Baillie  Guard  was 
safe  did  Hawke  trouble  about  anything  else  but 
fighting.  What  his  ex-khitmutgar  Hasun  Khan 
could  tell  about  the  old  scandal  which  drove  Hawke 
out  of  Lucknow  society  could  wait — Edith  Ross 
could  wait — even  Jean  Atherton  could  wait. 

But  now  that  there  was  a  chance  of  a  few  hours' 
rest,  Hawke's  mind  went  back  to  his  own  affairs. 

When  he  came  off  duty  he  looked  a  somewhat 
dilapidated  object,  but  he  was  no  worse  than  any 
of  the  rest.  As  time  went  on,  both  men  and  officers 
became  veritable  scarecrows.  Clothes  had  worn  out, 
and  there  was  no  means  of  procuring  others. 

Many  of  the  officers  were  to  be  seen  in  shirts, 
trousers,  and  slippers  only.  One  gallant  civilian 
stripped  the  Residency  billiard-table  of  its  green 
cloth,  and  contrived  to  make  himself  a  sort  of  loose 
coat  out  of  it,  while  an  officer  wore  a  shirt  made 
out  of  a  floorcloth. 

Some  time  before  the  siege  began,  the  use  of 
white  outer  clothing  had  been  discontinued,  and  the 
light  coats  and  trousers  of  the  officers  and  men  had 
been  dyed  of  a  light  brown  dust  colour,  which  came 
into  general  use  throughout  the  siege. 

The  privates  learned  to  make  the  dye  by  mixing 

293 


294  LOVE  BESIEGED 

together  the  black  and  red  inks  with  which  the 
various  officers  were  well  supplied.  So  many  raids 
were  made  upon  the  inks  that  very  little  remained 
for  legitimate  purposes  when  the  end  of  the  siege 
came.  The  superintendent  of  Mr  Gubbins'  depart- 
ment thought  he  had  preserved  his  stock  by  locking 
it  up  in  a  cabinet ;  and  having  occasion  to  want 
some  ink  he  discovered  that  the  panels  of  the 
cabinet  had  been  removed  and  then  carefully  re- 
placed. All  his  cherished  stock  of  ink  had  dis- 
appeared. 

But  though  the  ordinary  necessities  of  life  were 
scarce,  money  was  plentiful,  as  was  shown  by  the 
prices  paid  for  what  had  come  to  be  looked  upon  as 
luxuries. 

On  the  27th  of  August  small  cakes  of  chocolate 
realised  from  three  to  four  pounds ;  a  ham  seven 
pounds  ten  shillings ;  a  bottle  of  honey,  four  pounds 
ten  shillings,  a  bag  of  coarse  flour  one  shilling ;  a 
bottle  of  brandy  one  pound  fourteen  shillings,  and 
a  small  chicken  two  pounds.  Sugar,  had  there  been 
any  for  sale,  would  have  commanded  almost  any 
price.  A  new  flannel  shirt  fetched  four  pounds, 
whilst  five  old  ones  realised  eleven  pounds  four 
shillings. 

Hawke  was  on  his  way  to  the  tyekhana,  where 
Hasun  Khan  was  imprisoned  in  an  improvised  cell. 
On  one  of  the  staircases  he  met  a  young  officer  who 
had  been  wounded  in  the  assault  on  the  Baillie  Guard. 

"  Who's  looking  after  you  —  Lennard  ?  "  said 
Hawke,  glancing  at  the  other's  bandaged  arm. 

"  Lennard !  Haven't  you  heard  ?  The  poor 
fellow's  gone  the  way  of  scores  of  our  best  and 
staunchest  comrades." 


CAPTAIN   FULTON  295 

"  My  God  !  not  dead  surely  ?  " 

"  Shot  a  week  ago.  He  was  coming  here  from  the 
Begum  Kothee  with  Miss  Atherton  when  the  bullet 
struck  him.  She  was  the  only  one  with  him  when 
he  died.  Hard  lines  for  the  poor  girl  if  she  was 
attached  to  him.  It's  said  he  was  sweet  on  her." 

Hawke  made  no  reply.  He  turned  away  fiercely. 
The  death  of  his  old  friend  was  a  terrible  shock,  but 
he  crushed  his  grief.  What  was  the  use  of  grieving 
when  his  own  turn  might  come  next  ? 

He  went  on  to  the  tyekhana,  found  the  cell,  and 
entered.  There  was  sufficient  light  for  the  two  men 
to  see  each  other,  and  Hasun  Khan  shrank  back. 
Hawke  looked  at  him  sternly  for  several  seconds 
without  speaking. 

"Well,  you  scoundrel?"  at  last  he  exclaimed 
wrathfully. 

Hasun  Khan  dropped  his  head.  He  could  not 
place  his  hands  on  his  breast,  in  the  deprecatory 
manner  of  the  Oriental,  simply  because  his  arms 
were  secured. 

"Hasun  Khan  is  your  lordship's  servant,"  he 
mumbled. 

"Is  he?"  said  Hawke  ironically.  "I  remember 
he  was  once,  till  he  took  himself  off  with  a  still 
greater  blackguard,  Azimoolah  Khan." 

The  amount  of  humility  Hasun  Khan  contrived 
to  throw  into  the  bend  of  that  supple  neck  of  his 
was  wonderful.  Hawke  stood  and  silently  watched 
him. 

"Yes,  you  scoundrel,"  he  continued  slowly,  "you 
are  certain  to  be  shot  unless " 

He  paused,  and  Hasun  Khan's  convulsed  face 
was  upturned  eagerly  to  his. 


296  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"Ah,"  screamed  Hasun,  "the  sahib  is  good  and 
kind.  He  can  save  poor  Hasun's  life  if  he  chooses 
to  do  so." 

"If  he  chooses,"  repeated  Hawke.  "You're  not 
far  from  the  mark,  my  crafty  friend — if  he  chooses. 
Supposing  the  sahib  did  choose,  what  would  you  do 
in  return  ? " 

"Anything  —  everything.  My  lord  might  com- 
mand his  poor  slave  Hasun  for  the  rest  of  his 
life." 

"  Not  good  enough.  His  lordship  doesn't  want 
the  bother.  Look  here,  Hasun,  I'm  going  to  speak 
plain.  I  can,  by  simply  holding  up  my  finger,  save 
you  from  being  shot.  It  can  be  done,  if  you'll  do 
as  I  tell  you." 

"  Yes,  yes !  Tell  me,  sahib— tell  me,"  replied  the 
man,  in  trembling  accents. 

"  I'm  going  to  take  your  memory  back  to  the  time 
when  you  and  Azimoolah  were  in  my  service.  First, 
then,  answer  me  this  question.  Who  gave  that 
letter  to  Azimoolah  to  take  to  Mrs  Holcombe  the 
day  he  and  you  disappeared?" 

Mrs  Holcombe,  it  will  be  remembered,  was  Mrs 
Ross's  sister  Agnes,  to  whom  Hawke  was  once 
engaged.  The  engagement  was  broken  off,  chiefly, 
as  Hawke  always  believed,  through  the  machinations 
of  her  sister  Edith  Ross,  then  Edith  D'Arcy.  After 
Holcombe's  marriage  with  Agnes.her  husband  received 
the  anonymous  letter,  written  apparently  in  Hawke's 
hand,  and  certainly  delivered  by  his  servant  Azi- 
moolah Khan.  This  letter  reflected  on  Mrs  Hol- 
combe, and  the  malicious  did  not  hesitate  to  whisper 
that  it  had  been  sent  by  Hawke  out  of  revenge  for 
being  jilted. 


CAPTAIN   FULTON  297 

Hasun  Khan's  eyes  glistened  maliciously  at  the 
question. 

"  A  mem-sahib  paid  Azimoolah  to  deliver  the  letter. 
She  gave  it  to  him.  We  both  promised  to  go  away 
so  that  we  should  not  be  found,  and  we  kept  our  word." 

"  A  mem-sahib !  "  shouted  Hawke.  "  What  mem- 
sahib  ?  " 

"  The  tall,  dark  mem-sahib  D'Arcy." 

Hawke  started  as  though  he  had  been  stung. 

The  "  tall,  dark  mem-sahib  D'Arcy  "  could  be  no 
other  than  Edith.  He  knew  Edith  to  be  unscrupu- 
lous, but  he  never  suspected  her  capable  of  such  black 
treachery.  He  had  always  put  down  the  letter  to 
some  man  who  was  jealous  of  him.  There  were 
several  in  the  regiment.  If  Hasun  Khan  spoke  the 
truth,  Edith  Ross  had  ruined  him  in  the  eyes  of  the 
world. 

For  a  moment  the  discovery  overwhelmed  him. 
Had  the  woman  been  near  he  would  have  struck  her 
down  mercilessly,  and  rejoiced  in  so  doing.  That 
she  would  ever  confess  it  was  her  hand  which  had 
blighted  his  career  he  did  not  believe.  She  would 
simply  swear  that  Hasun  Khan  lied. 

He  knew  well  enough  that  Edith  had  been  madly 
in  love  with  him  ;  that  it  was  jealousy  of  her  sister 
Agnes  which  led  her  to  plot  till  his  engagement  with 
Agnes  was  broken  off.  Jealousy  to  this  point  was 
conceivable,  but  to  carry  it  to  the  pitch  of  injuring 
him  irreparably  seemed  unnatural.  It  was  not  the 
act  of  a  woman,  but  of  a  devil. 

Hawke  was  mad  with  impatience  to  have  the 
thing  thrashed  out.  He  would  go  at  once  in  search 
of  Edith  Ross  and  face  her  with  Hasun  Khan.  He 
turned  to  the  Mohammedan. 


298  LOVE  BESIEGED 

"Do  you  swear  what  you  say  about  mem-sahib 
D'Arcy  is  true?  Remember,  your  life  depends 
upon  it." 

"  I  swear  before  Allah  every  word  is  true  ! "  said 
Hasun  Khan  humbly. 

Hawke  went  off  to  find  Mrs  Ross,  but  before  he 
could  do  so  he  was  met  by  an  officer  who  told  him 
more  serious  work  was  expected  at  Gubbins' 
battery. 

"  You  can  be  of  use  there  with  Lieutenant  Alex- 
ander," said  the  officer,  and  hastened  away. 

Hawke's  personal  business  must  again  be  put  off, 
and  he  dismissed  Edith  Ross  from  his  mind  in  the 
face  of  what  was  of  much  more  importance. 

The  state  of  things  at  Gubbins'  battery  was  just 
then  very  peculiar.  The  enemy's  guns  commanded 
it,  but  owing  to  the  lack  of  shot  the  rebels  made 
very  little  headway.  Latterly,  however,  they  had 
begun  to  use  a  very  odd  kind  of  missile.  For  some 
time  past  they  had  been  employing  logs  of  wood 
shod  with  iron,  and  a  still  more  injurious  projectile 
was  that  which  they  now  devised.  It  consisted  of 
hollow  cylinders  of  thin  iron  filled  with  an  inflam- 
mable composition,  and  wrapped  up  in  strong 
canvas.  On  reaching  the  ground  the  apparatus 
burst,  and  the  fine  cylinders  spouted  forth  fire  with- 
out any  further  explosion.  This,  perhaps,  was  the 
most  curious  and  complicated  projectile  that  had 
yet  been  devised. 

The  south-west  battery  of  Gubbins'  garrison  was 
opposed  to  four  guns  of  the  enemy,  and  Major 
Apthorpe,  who  commanded  the  post,  had  repeatedly 
urged  that  those  guns  should  be  silenced.  But  the 
apprehension  of  supplying  the  enemy  with  round- 


CAPTAIN   FULTON  299 

shot  prevailed,  and  the  only  reply  to  the  enemy  was 
a  weak  and  desultory  fire.  An  artillery  officer  used 
to  visit  the  post  for  two  hours  every  day,  and  then, 
after  firing  one  shot  every  twenty  minutes,  left  it 
again. 

This,  of  course,  produced  no  effect  on  the  enemy's 
battery,  while  the  over-economy  of  shot  had  a 
disastrous  consequence  to  the  besieged. 

The  enemy's  battery  consisted  of  an  upper  and  a 
lower  one,  and  as  the  heavy  shot  of  the  former  did 
a  great  deal  of  damage,  Major  Apthorpe  at  last 
obtained  permission  to  try  the  effect  of  a  continuous 
cannonade,  which  Lieutenant  Alexander  was  deputed 
to  carry  into  effect. 

He  was  an  excellent  artillerist,  and  with  twenty 
shots  he  knocked  to  pieces  the  enemy's  embrasure, 
and  damaged  the  carriage  of  a  24-pounder,  so  that 
it  could  be  seen,  muzzle  in  the  air,  abandoned  by  the 
enemy. 

On  that  afternoon  Captain  Fulton  dined  at  the 
post,  and  he  was  delighted  with  Alexander's  success. 

"  If  we  could  only  smash  up  the  lower  battery  as 
well ! "  said  Mr  Gubbins.  "  Not  a  stick  of  it  has  yet 
been  knocked  down,  and  the  beggars  have  got  the 
distance — 240  yards — so  accurately  their  fire  comes 
into  our  embrasures  with  the  greatest  precision." 

"  Well,"  said  Fulton  gaily,  "  we  must  put  Alex- 
ander on  to  this  battery  as  well.  I'll  go  down  and 
see  what  he  has  done  and  what  he  has  yet  to  do." 

Fulton  rose,  and  so  did  half-a-dozen  others,  and 
they  went  down  to  examine  the  effect  of  Alexander's 
cannonade. 

Presently  Major  Apthorpe  returned  to  those  who 
remained  sitting  at  the  table,  and,  with  horror  in 


3oo  LOVE   BESIEGED 

his  countenance,  told  them  that  Fulton  had  been 
killed. 

It  appeared  that  while  examining  the  battered 
embrasure  of  the  enemy  with  his  glass  Captain 
Fulton  had  discovered  some  of  the  enemy  at  work 
there,  and  had  called  to  Alexander  to  come  with  him 
and  resume  his  fire. 

Fulton  himself  proceeded  on  to  the  bastion,  and 
entered  it  before  the  rest.  He  approached  the 
embrasure,  and  at  the  moment  when  he  reached  it 
one  of  the  guns  of  the  lower  battery  unhappily 
opened  fire,  and  the  ball,  entering  the  embrasure, 
struck  Captain  Fulton,  carrying  off  the  top  of  his 
head.  Death  must  have  been  instantaneous. 

Thus  fell  George  Fulton,  whose  untiring  exertions 
had  mainly  contributed  to  success  during  the  dark 
days  of  the  defence,  of  which  he  was  not  permitted 
to  see  the  brighter  ending.  He  was  the  life  and  soul 
of  all  that  was  persevering,  chivalrous  and  daring. 
He  was  ever  full  of  hope,  and  the  flagging  in  spirit 
and  the  despondent  always  renewed  their  courage 
after  a  word  or  two  from  cheery  Captain  Fulton. 
Not  without  good  reason  has  he  been  called  the  real 
defender  of  Lucknow. 

Hawke  heard  the  news  on  his  way  to  the  battery. 
Tears  were  in  the  eyes  of  the  man  who  told  him,  and 
Hawke  felt  a  choking  in  his  throat  too. 

"  Why  doesn't  a  bullet  take  me  ?  "  he  muttered. 
"  I'm  not  worth  much.  But  Fulton — it's  too  cruel ! " 

After  such  a  disaster  as  this,  what  was  the  value 
of  anything?  All  was  small,  paltry.  He  rushed  to 
the  battery,  and  no  one  in  the  whole  garrison  fought 
harder  and  exposed  himself  more  recklessly  than 
did  Jack  Hawke  during  the  next  two  days  and 


CAPTAIN   FULTON  301 

nights.  He  never  sought  an  interval  of  rest.  But 
nature  had  its  revenge.  He  dropped  asleep  at  his 
post,  worn  out  by  sheer  fatigue.  A  couple  of  soldiers 
laid  him  on  some  rush  mats,  and  for  a  time  he  was 
dead  to  the  world. 

It  was  like  the  coming  back  of  life  when  Hawke 
awoke.  At  first  he  could  hardly  realise  where  he 
was  and  what  had  happened.  Then  gradually  his 
brain  resumed  its  functions,  and  events  arranged 
themselves  in  their  proper  sequence.  His  secret 
journey  disguised  as  a  native,  the  meeting  with 
Hasun  Khan,  the  latter's  revelations  concerning  the 
designs  of  Azimoolah,  the  return  through  the  under- 
ground passage,  the  story  of  Edith  Ross's  malignant 
treachery  he  had  extracted  from  the  lips  of  the 
prisoner,  the  death  of  Fulton — all  was  clear. 

Fulton's  death  had  interfered  with  his  desire  to 
find  Mrs  Ross  and  confront  her  with  Hasun  Khan. 
There  was  nothing  now  in  the  way  to  prevent  Hawke 
from  gratifying  that  desire.  For  the  moment  his 
services  were  not  wanted.  One  of  the  periods  of 
stillness  which  were  ever  the  puzzle  of  the  besieged 
had  come  about.  The  rebels  had  ceased  to  fire  a 
shot.  Why  was  best  known  to  themselves.  At  first 
these  mysterious  silences  were  alarming,  and  indeed 
were  preludes  to  fierce  cannonade  and  volleys  of 
musketry,  but  towards  the  end  of  the  siege  they  led 
to  nothing,  and  the  garrison  became  used  to  them. 

Hawke  languidly  asked  the  news  of  the  man  who 
was  at  the  loophole,  rifle  in  readiness  should  any 
sepoy  unguardedly  show  his  head.  Things  were  just 
the  same,  he  was  told. 

"  How  long  have  I  been  asleep  ? " 

"  A  good  ten  hours,  sir.     Major  Trafford's  been  here 


302  LOVE   BESIEGED 

and  saw  you  lying  there  just  as  if  you  were  dead. 
He  said  you  were  to  be  let  alone,  but  when  you  awoke 
you  were  to  see  the  general.  It  was  about  that  fellow 
who  came  with  you.  I  guess  he'll  be  hanged  for 
a  spy,  won't  he?  P'raps  the  hanging's  come  off 
already." 

Hawke  was  on  his  feet  in  a  moment.  If  Hasun 
was  dead,  good-bye  to  his  chance  of  righting  himself 
in  the  eyes  of  his  comrades. 

But  if  not — if  he  could  confront  Mrs  Ross  with  the 
spy  and  force  her  to  confess  her  treachery !  This 
would  be  a  victory  indeed.  He  could  then  go  with  a 
clear  conscience  and  clean  hands  to  Jean  Atherton. 

Hawke  was  admitted  to  the  Residency.  He  ascer- 
tained at  once  that  Hasun  Khan  was  still  in  the  flesh. 
He  also  found  that  Mrs  Ross  was  lodging  in  the 
Residency. 

Hawke  hastened  up  the  staircase  leading  to  the 
rooms  where  the  few  ladies  in  the  Residency  were 
lodging.  Their  quarters  were  in  the  centre  of  the 
building,  safe  from  shot  and  shell. 

He  was  passing  along  a  corridor  when  a  door  to 
the  right  opened  suddenly  and  as  quickly  closed 
again.  Short  as  the  interval  was,  it  was  long  enough 
for  him  to  see  that  the  person  who  opened  the  door 
was  the  woman  he  had  at  that  moment  in  his  mind. 

The  next  moment  he  was  in  the  room.  The  only 
occupant  was  Edith  Ross.  Maybe  she  suspected  she 
was  seen,  and  that  Hawke  was  anxious  to  speak  with 
her,  for  she  was  standing  motionless  in  the  centre  of 
the  apartment,  and  made  no  attempt  to  move  when 
he  entered.  He  was  never  on  equal  terms  with  Mrs 
Ross,  because  he  could  not  control  his  temper ;  while 
she,  however  excited  she  might  feel,  always  maintained 


CAPTAIN   FULTON  303 

her  coolness.     It  was  so  now.     The  sight  of  her  calm, 
mask-like  face  sent  him  into  a  fury. 

"  You're  true  to  your  serpent-like  nature ! "  he 
burst  out  passionately.  "Thank  heaven,  I'm  begin- 
ning to  see  you  in  your  true  colours ! " 

"  And  what  are  they  ? "  she  asked.  "  My  dear 
Jack,  don't  let  us  beat  about  the  bush,  get  out  of 
temper,  and  call  each  other  names." 

"  You're  right.  If  I  called  you  by  your  true  name 
it  might  be  unpleasant  for  you  to  hear." 

"  Thank  you  for  the  implied  insult,  Jack.  May  I 
say  your  manners  don't  improve,"  said  she,  quite  coolly. 

"  I  want  you  to  come  with  me.  I  wish  you  to 
listen  to  something  a  certain  man  has  to  say.  It 
has  to  do  with  you — it  has  to  do  with  me." 

He  was  as  hot  as  she  was  cold. 

"You're  referring  to  that  lying  scoundrel  Hasun 
Khan,  I  presume." 

Hawke  started.  He  was  not  aware  that  the 
imprisonment  of  the  spy,  his  name,  the  circum- 
stances under  which  he  was  brought  in  by  Hawke 
himself,  were  matters  of  common  gossip  in  the 
Residency. 

"  Yes,"  cried  Hawke.  "  How  did  you  know  I  was 
referring  to  him  ?  " 

"Because  I've  seen  the  rascal,  and  he  told  me  a 
good  deal  that  was  interesting,"  said  Mrs  Ross 
looking  Hawke  full  in  the  face. 

"  About  yourself?  " 

She  laughed  lightly.  "  Oh  dear,  no ;  about  you. 
My  dear  Jack,  it's  a  case  of  crying  quits.  I  know 
what  he  told  you  concerning  me " 

"  And  you  confess  it  ?  I  see  you  do,"  he  broke 
in  savagely.  "You  own  yourself  to  be  a  liar,  a 


304  LOVE   BESIEGED 

slanderer,  a  forger !  You  employed  this  man  as 
your  Indian  ancestors  employed  assassins  to  stab 
those  they  hated.  I  don't  know  but  what  your 
crime  is  worse  than  theirs.  If  you  were  a  man  I 
should  know  what  to  do  ;  but  you're  a  woman,  and 
that's  your  protection." 

She  came  close  to  him.  An  unearthly  light  shone 
in  her  eyes. 

"  Why  don't  you  kill  me,  Jack  ? "  said  she,  in  a 
voice  vibrating  with  passion.  "  I  deserve  it.  No 
matter  that  I  was  mad  when  I  injured  you ;  no 
matter  that  I've  suffered  years  of  torture  and 
remorse.  Kill  me  !  Kill  me  !  " 

She  twined  her  arms  about  his  neck,  her  brilliant 
eyes  were  fixed  upon  his,  her  lithe,  supple  form 
seemed  to  have  lost  all  muscular  power.  It  clung 
helplessly  to  his. 

He  stood  rigid,  unbending ;  but  for  her  hands 
clasped  convulsively  round  his  neck  she  would  have 
fallen.  The  flood  of  agonised  passion  which  swept 
over  her  did  not  make  her  less  conscious  that  he 
repelled  her. 

"  Why  don't  you  speak  ?  "  she  cried.  "  Ah,  if  you 
knew  how  I'm  torn!  I  know  not  if  I  hate  or  love 
you  more." 

"  I  care  as  little  for  your  hate  as  for  your  love. 
It's  all  one  to  me,"  he  retorted.  "  I've  come  upon 
the  truth,  but  I'll  act  fair.  I'll  give  you  a  chance. 
Come  with  me,  and  we'll  have  Hasun  Khan's  story 
from  his  own  lips  in  your  presence." 

"With  you — the  one  most  interested — as  the 
judge !  And  you  call  that  acting  fair  !  " 

"  Come,"  he  reiterated,  taking  no  further  notice 
of  her  words,  "  unless  you're  afraid." 


CAPTAIN   FULTON  305 

The  taunt  went  home.  Mrs  Ross  drew  herself 
up  scornfully. 

"That's  a  coward's  argument  I'm  ready  to  face 
an  army  of  liars  and  spies.  Yes,  I'll  go  with  you." 

No  sentry  was  posted  to  guard  Hasun  Khan.  A 
man  could  not  be  spared.  The  Mohammedan  was 
loaded  with  irons  and  put  under  lock  and  key. 
Escape  was  impossible. 

Leaving  Mrs  Ross  at  the  head  of  the  staircase 
leading  to  the  tyekhana,  Hawke  went  in  search  of 
the  officer  who  had  charge  of  the  key  of  Hasun 
Khan's  cell.  The  officer  was  Colonel  Champneys, 
who  had  grown  grey  in  the  company's  service,  and 
in  fact  had  retired  when  the  Mutiny  broke  out. 
Some  called  him  a  doddering  old  man. 

"  The  key  ?  "  mumbled  the  veteran.  "  Here  it  is. 
I  hope  I  sha'n't  be  bothered  with  it  much  longer. 
The  rascal  ought  to  have  been  hanged  right  away. 
Means  another  mouth  to  feed.  Too  much  fuss  has 
been  made  over  the  scoundrel.  Edith  D'Arcy — I 
beg  her  pardon,  Edith  Ross — know  her  best  as 
Edith  D'Arcy ;  General  D'Arcy  was  an  old  comrade 
of  mine — pestered  me  early  this  morning  to  let  her 
see  the  fellow.  His  father  was  a  trusted  servant  of 
the  general,  she  said.  She  got  her  own  way — always 
did,  the  baggage — and  I  let  her  have  the  key.  She 
wasn't  a  bit  afraid — the  D'Arcys  never  were  afraid  of 
anything,  and  Edith's  the  pluckiest  of  the  lot." 

Hawke  took  the  key  and  hastened  back  to  Mrs 
Ross. 

They  reached  the  dark  corridor  of  the  tyekhana, 
and   having  unlocked  the  door  Hawke  drew  back 
to  allow  Mrs  Ross  to  enter  first.     He  noticed  she 
did  so  reluctantly, 
u 


3o6  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Dark  as  was  the  corridor,  darker  still  was  the 
little  low-ceilinged  room,  the  only  window  of  which 
was  a  long,  slit-like  aperture.  Hasun  Khan  was 
lying  motionless  on  his  mat  in  a  corner. 

"  Hasun  !  "  called  out  Hawke. 

There  was  no  response.  The  man  must  have  been 
sleeping  very  heavily.  He  made  no  sign  when 
Hawke  touched  him  with  his  foot. 

Hawke  bent  over  the  prostrate  man  and  felt  his 
hand  and  wrist.  Both  were  icy  cold.  Then  he 
caught  sight  of  a  silk  scarf  tied  round  the  neck. 
Here  was  the  explanation.  Hasun  Khan  was  dead 
— strangled. 

Hawke  said  not  a  word  but  undid  the  scarf.  It 
was  not  nearly  so  tightly  tied  as  it  appeared  to  be. 
A  finger  could  be  easily  inserted  between  it  and 
the  throat. 

Hawke  went  to  the  door.  Mrs  Ross  shrank  more 
into  the  gloom. 

"  I'm  going  to  fetch  a  lamp,"  said  he,  in  passing 
her. 

Hawke  was  away  about  five  minutes.  When  he 
returned,  Edith  Ross  was  in  the  corridor.  Taking 
no  notice  of  her,  Hawke  entered  the  cell  and  held 
the  lamp  close  to  the  dead  man's  throat.  There 
were  no  creases,  as  would  have  been  the  case  had 
he  been  strangled  by  the  scarf.  On  either  side  the 
windpipe  was  a  slight  discoloration,  hardly  notice- 
able owing  to  the  Mohammedan's  dark  skin.  The 
windpipe  itself  was  a  little  swollen.  Hawke  knew 
what  these  signs  meant. 

Hasun  Khan  had  been  strangled  by  someone  well 
acquainted  with  the  methods  practised  by  the  Thugs. 
Nothing  could  well  be  more  speedy  and  effective. 


CAPTAIN   FULTON  307 

All  one  had  to  do  was  to  stand  behind  the  victim, 
grasping  a  silk  handkerchief  tightly  with  both  hands 
placed  about  two  inches  apart.  The  victim  taken 
unawares,  the  hands  were  swiftly  put  over  the  head, 
dropped  down  in  front  of  the  neck,  the  centre  of  the 
space  between  the  hands  over  the  windpipe.  Then 
the  hands  were  pressed  back  with  a  jerk  so  that  the 
bent  joints  of  the  thumbs  were  forced  against  the  wind- 
pipe on  either  side.  In  a  few  seconds  all  was  over. 

Hawke  raised  his  eyes  towards  Mrs  Ross,  who  was 
still  in  the  corridor.  Her  face  was  livid,  her  attitude 
suggested  terror. 

He  said  not  a  word,  but  tied  the  scarf  round  the 
dead  Hasun  Khan's  throat  more  tightly  than  before. 
Then  he  rose  to  his  feet.  The  terrible  conviction 
forced  itself  upon  his  mind  that  the  author  of  Hasun 
Khan's  death  stood  before  him  ! 

He  passed  out.  The  swish  of  a  skirt  told  that  Mrs 
Ross  was  walking  behind.  The  two  ascended  the 
first  staircase,  bringing  them  to  a  point  where  cor- 
ridors branched  orf  to  the  right  and  left.  The  first 
led  to  Colonel  Champneys'  quarters,  the  second  to 
the  room  provided  for  the  women.  Hawke  pointed 
to  the  left. 

"  That's  your  way,"  said  he,  with  cold  politeness. 

Edith  Ross  remained  for  a  few  moments  quite 
motionless.  She  was  standing  as  though  she  did  not 
hear  him.  Hawke  bent  slightly  towards  her,  and 
lowering  his  voice,  said  : 

"  Hasun  Khan,  I  presume,  spoke  the  truth  ? " 

The  significance  of  Hawke's  words  could  not  be 
misunderstood.  She  roused  herself,  alert,  defiant. 

"  Hasun  Khan  will  never  speak  again,"  was  the 
swift  answer. 


308  LOVE   BESIEGED 

"  Quite  true,  but  there  is  yet  Azimoolah." 

"  I  refer  you  for  information  about  him  to  his 
friend,  Jean  Atherton." 

Her  thin  lips  curved  and  parted,  the  white  teeth 
gleamed.  She  turned  and  fled  up  the  staircase. 

If  any  doubt  existed  in  Hawke's  mind  as  to 
Edith  Ross's  feelings  towards  him,  it  was  now 
cleared  away.  When  she  made  the  appeal  to  him  to 
kill  her  it  was  her  last  attempt  to  win  him  back. 
Whether  she  was  sincere  or  not  she  had  failed,  and 
it  was  certain,  much  as  she  had  once  loved  Jack 
Hawke,  she  now  hated  him  with  all  the  force  of  her 
passionate,  her  savage  nature. 

A  sudden  apprehension  took  possession  of  Jack 
Hawke.  The  vengeance  of  Edith  Ross  was  a  thing 
to  be  feared.  What  of  Jean  Atherton  ?  For  the 
present,  having  returned  to  the  Begum  Kothee,  Jean 
was  out  of  Edith's  reach,  but  who  could  fathom  the 
craft  of  a  jealous  woman  thirsting  for  revenge  ? 


CHAPTER   XXII 

AT  LAST 

A  FORTNIGHT  went  over — a  fortnight  of  intense 
anxiety.  Only  one  question  was  in  everybody's 
mind — how  long  would  Havelock  and  rescue  be  ? 
No  one  doubted  that  the  general  would  try  his  ut- 
most to  keep  his  word,  but  divided  councils  might 
delay  him.  Ungad  had  brought  news  that  Have- 
lock's  command  had  been  handed  over  to  Outram, 
and  it  was  not  known  that  on  i6th  September 
Outram  had  issued  his  historic  order,  chivalrously 
waiving  his  rank  and  position  and  handing  over  to 
Havelock  the  command  of  the  relief  operations. 

On  the  i  Qth  the  second  relief  expedition,  con- 
sisting of  2799  British  troops  and  400  natives,  crossed 
to  the  left  bank  of  the  Ganges,  and  on  the  2 1st  began 
its  march  to  Lucknow  in  rain  and  tempest. 

Meanwhile  the  besiegers  renewed  their  activity, 
and  Hawke,  stationed  at  the  Cawnpore  battery,  had 
enough  to  do.  It  was  clear  the  rebels  were  straining 
every  nerve  to  force  the  garrison  to  surrender  before 
the  arrival  of  Havelock. 

Then  suddenly  came  a  prolonged  lull.  Either  the 
besiegers  were  convinced  of  the  failure  of  their 
efforts,  or  had  thought  it  wise  to  draw  off  their  forces 
to  meet  the  advancing  Havelock.  Whatever  might 
be  the  cause,  Hawke  was  released  from  duty  for  a 
brief  space. 

309 


310  LOVE   BESIEGED 

All  this  time  Hawke  had  not  seen  either  Jean 
Atherton  or  Edith  Ross.  Jean  was  at  the  Begum 
Kothee,  and  Mrs  Ross  transferred  herself  to  Dr 
Fayrer's  house,  no  doubt,  Hawke  thought,  because 
she  did  not  want  to  meet  him. 

But  there  was  another  reason  why  she  disappeared. 
She  knew  very  well  that  Hawke  would  discuss  the 
matter  of  the  letters  to  Azimoolah  with  General 
Inglis,  and  that  the  truth  would  come  out. 

This  indeed  happened.  The  general  told  Hawke 
he  had  given  the  letters  to  Jean  Atherton,  as  the  one 
entitled  to  have  them,  and  went  on  to  question 
Hawke  about  his  share  in  the  scandal. 

"  My  share,  sir  ?  "  cried  Hawke,  amazed.  "  I  swear 
to  you  I  had  no  share.  I  don't  know  what  you  mean." 

"  It's  just  this,  and  it's  only  right  you  should 
know.  There  were  four  persons,  other  than  myself, 
who  read  those  letters — Lennard,  Fulton,  Mrs  Ross 
and  yourself." 

"Well?" 

"The  matter  was  one  which  ought  to  have  been 
kept  secret.  It  wasn't.  It  became  common  talk. 
The  poor  girl  was  sent  to  Coventry  by  the  women. 
Women  are  so  charitable  towards  their  own  sex, 
aren't  they?"  said  the  general,  shrugging  his 
shoulders.  "  It  was  too  bad.  Miss  Atherton  told 
me  the  story  of  her  acquaintance  with  Azimoolah 
Khan.  It  was  very  slight,  so  far  as  she  was  con- 
cerned. He  pursued  her,  anyway,  and  she  repulsed 
him.  Miss  Atherton  was  perfectly  candid  and  out- 
spoken, and  I  believe  her.  But  you  know  what  a 
scandal  is  out  here — you've  had  a  taste  of  that  same 
yourself.  It  grows  like  a  snowball  and  nothing  can 
thaw  it." 


AT   LAST  311 

For  the  moment  Hawke  was  tempted  to  tell  the 
general  of  Hasun  Khan's  confession,  but  what  good 
would  it  have  done?  The  death  of  Hasun  Khan 
was  a  fortnight  old.  The  man  had  been  buried 
without  the  slightest  medical  examination.  How  or 
why  he  died  was  not  worth  a  moment's  considera- 
tion. Hawke  could  hardly  stir  up  the  matter.  It 
must  rest  between  him  and  Edith  Ross  to  the  bitter 
end. 

"  The  responsibility  of  starting  that  scandal  about 
the  girl  rests  on  someone.  Lennard  and  Fulton, 
poor  fellows,  are  dead — only  you  and  Mrs  Ross 
remain.  Either  you  or  she  must  have  tittle-tattled." 

"  My  God  !  "  cried  Hawke  fiercely.  "  Do  you 
suppose  I  should  be  such  a  blackguard  ?  " 

"  No,  I  don't.  Moreover  you  went  away  to  learn 
news  of  Havelock  almost  immediately  after  the 
letters  were  found.  We  needn't  say  who  originated 
the  slander.  I  daresay  both  of  us  can  guess.  Take 
my  advice,  Jack  Hawke,  let  the  thing  alone.  It  can 
only  add  to  the  poor  girl's  distress  to  rake  it  up." 

Hawke  said  nothing.  His  white  lips  were  pressed 
tightly  together.  The  malevolence  of  Edith  Ross 
was  too  patent.  But  at  that  moment  it  was  not  so 
much  of  the  jealous  woman  of  whom  he  was  thinking 
as  of  her  victim,  Jean  Atherton.  His  suspicions  had 
vanished.  How  cruelly  had  he  misjudged  her.  He 
quitted  the  general  with  the  firm  resolve  to  seek 
Jean  at  once. 

But  the  resolve  could  not  be  carried  out.  A  fierce 
cannonade  began  with  the  suddenness  the  rebels 
observed  throughout  the  siege,  and  Hawke  was  once 
more  in  the  thick  of  work. 

In  the  meantime  all  kinds  of  rumours  reached  the 


312  LOVE   BESIEGED 

anxious  defenders.  Their  hopes  were  continually 
being  raised,  only  to  be  dashed.  But  at  last  there 
was  no  doubt  that  Havelock  was  near  the  city. 

This  was  on  the  morning  of  23rd  September.  The 
weather  had  cleared  and  the  sound  of  artillery  in  the 
direction  of  Cawnpore  was  distinctly  heard.  At  two 
in  the  afternoon  the  reports  became  quite  frequent 
and  loud.  At  five  P.M.  another  cannonade  was  heard, 
which  lasted  for  half-an-hour.  It  appeared  much 
louder  than  the  former  sounds,  and  excitement  began 
to  run  high. 

All  was  now  exultation  and  joy  within  the  garrison. 
The  natives  were  at  last  thoroughly  convinced  that 
succour  was  at  hand.  No  one  was  more  excited 
than  Ungad.  He  literally  danced  for  joy,  snapping 
his  fingers,  and  exclaiming  at  each  shot,  "  Humara 
kumpoo  agua!" — "Our  troops  have  come!"  Then 
he  scoffed  and  laughed  at  his  hitherto  incredulous 
comrades,  crying  out :  "  Who  is  the  liar  now  ?  Who 
has  been  inventing  tales  and  telling  lies  about  Have- 
lock  sahib  and  Tytler  sahib  and  Neill  sahib  and 
Barrow  sahib  ?  " 

On  the  morning  of  the  25th  the  guns  of  the  reliev- 
ing army  were  heard  again,  and  by  ten  o'clock 
became  louder.  At  half-past  eleven  the  firing  ceased, 
and  soon  after  numbers  of  the  city  people  were 
observed  flying  over  the  bridges,  carrying  bundles 
of  property  on  their  heads.  The  city  seemed  terribly 
disquieted,  and  the  bridge  of  boats,  seen  through  a 
telescope,  was  crowded  with  a  confused  crowd,  chiefly 
women,  all  hurrying  to  seek  safety  out  of  Lucknow. 
An  hour  later  the  flight  became  more  general,  and 
many  sepoys,  matchlockmen,  and  irregular  cavalry 
troops  crossed  the  river  in  full  flight,  many  by  the 


AT  LAST  313 

bridge,  but  more  throwing  themselves  into  the  river 
and  swimming  across  it. 

The  guns  of  the  Redan  battery,  and  those  of  the 
other  posts  commanding  the  river,  opened  fire  upon 
the  fugitives,  and  this  was  the  signal  for  a  retaliation 
of  a  fiercer  character  than  the  garrison  had  ever 
before  experienced.  On  every  side  came  a  perfect 
hurricane  of  shot  and  shell.  Fragments  of  iron  and 
lead  missiles  were  falling  everywhere,  and  the  interior 
of  the  much-battered  Residency  was  visited  by  round- 
shot  in  places  which  had  never  been  previously 
reached. 

Strict  orders  were  given  that  no  one  was  to  stir 
outside  the  various  posts,  but  Jean  could  not  restrain 
her  impatience.  She  managed  to  elude  the  guard 
of  the  Begum  Kothee,  and  stole  forth  to  the  Residency. 
It  was  not  so  much  that  she  would  be  able  to  see 
better  what  was  going  on  in  the  city  as  that  she 
might  be  under  the  same  roof  as  Jack  Hawke. 

At  four  P.M.  a  report  came  that  some  officers,  dressed 
in  shooting  coats  and  solah  caps,  a  regiment  of 
Europeans  in  blue  pantaloons  and  shirts,  and  a 
bullock  battery  were  approaching  the  Motee  Mahal. 
At  five  P.M.  volleys  of  musketry,  rapidly  growing 
louder,  were  heard  in  the  city. 

Five  minutes  later,  and  the  troops  were  seen 
fighting  their  way  through  one  of  the  principal 
streets ;  and  though  men  fell  at  almost  every  step, 
yet  nothing  could  withstand  their  headlong  gallantry. 

In  a  few  hours  all  doubts  and  fears  were  ended. 
The  garrison's  long  pent-up  feelings  of  anxiety  and 
suspense  burst  forth  in  a  succession  of  deafening 
shouts.  From  every  pit,  trench,  and  battery,  from 
behind  the  sandbags  piled  on  shattered  houses,  from 


3 14  LOVE  BESIEGED 

every  post,  rose  cheer  on  cheer — even  from  the 
hospital.  Many  of  the  wounded  crawled  forth  to 
join  in  that  glad  chorus  of  welcome  to  those  who  had 
so  bravely  come  to  the  assistance  of  the  besieged,  so 
long  and  so  sorely  tried.  It  was  a  moment  never  to 
be  forgotten. 

It  was  immediately  after  the  garrison  caught  sight 
of  their  rescuers  that  Neill  fell.  Then  guns  came  up 
and  once  more  the  brave  fellows  pushed  on  through 
the  narrow  street  which  led  up  to  the  Baillie  Guard 
of  the  Residency.  The  Highlanders  came  first, 
Brasyer's  Sikhs  followed  next.  Havelock  and  Out- 
ram,  with  the  staff  officers,  headed  the  advance. 

In  all  that  fierce  fighting  nothing  was  seen  like 
the  savagery  with  which  the  soldiers  were  met. 
The  natives  knew  that  upon  their  beating  back  the 
relieving  force  everything  depended,  and  they  fought 
like  demons.  From  the  side  streets,  from  the  front, 
from  every  window  and  balcony,  from  the  top  of 
every  house,  poured  an  incessant  hailstorm  of  bullets, 
to  which  there  was  no  possibility  of  reply.  There 
was  one  thing  to  do  and  one  only,  to  press  onwards, 
onwards,  onwards. 

The  natives,  sepoys,  and  townspeople,  crouching 
on  the  flat  roofs,  crept  forward,  fired  down  into  the 
street,  and  hastily  drew  back  to  load.  The  women 
even,  shrieking  in  their  passion,  seized  muskets ; 
others  hurled  down  on  the  passing  soldiery  stones 
and  missiles  of  various  kinds. 

Deep  trenches  had  been  dug  across  the  road  to 
hinder  their  advance  and  detain  them  under  fire. 
The  road  was  studded  with  all  manner  of  obstacles — 
palisades,  guns,  stockades,  barricades.  From  every 
side  street  poured  a  withering  volley.  The  carnage 


AT  LAST  315 

was  terrible.  Desperate  at  their  frightful  losses,  the 
men  rushed  to  the  loopholes  within  their  reach  and 
fired  into  them.  They  could  do  nothing  else. 

Instances  of  individual  heroism  abounded.  A 
Highlander,  Sandy  M'Grath,  was  shot  through  the 
back  and  fell ;  but,  wounded  as  he  was,  he  crawled  on 
a  hundred  yards  before  a  second  bullet  laid  him  low 
for  ever. 

Glandell  and  M'Donough  were  two  staunch  com- 
rades. M'Donough's  leg  was  shattered  by  a  bullet. 
In  in  instant  Glandell  raised  his  wounded  chum  on 
his  back  and  trudged  on.  Nor  while  doing  this  did 
he  forgot  to  fight.  When  the  chance  offered  to  fire 
a  shot,  Glandell  propped  his  wounded  comrade  against 
some  wall,  and  potted  one  of  the  enemy  ;  and  then  he 
picked  up  M'Donough  again,  and  staggered  on  till 
shelter  was  reached. 

Nor  were  the  Sikhs  behindhand.  They  were 
ordered  to  storm  a  gateway,  and  they  went  at  it  with 
a  rush.  This  gateway  opened,  in  the  usual  Hindoo 
manner,  by  the  withdrawal  of  a  big  wooden  bolt 
operated  from  a  round  hole  in  the  gate.  A  Sikh 
thrust  his  right  hand  through  to  slide  back  the  bar,  and 
it  was  instantly  cut  off  by  some  rebel  inside.  The 
fearless  soldier  immediately  put  in  his  other  hand  and 
opened  the  gate. 

For  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  this  passage  of 
death  was  endured,  and  it  seemed  never-ending ;  but 
suddenly  those  in  the  rear  heard  a  sound  which 
thrilled  them  and  inspired  fresh  courage.  The  fore- 
most men  could  see  the  battered  Baillie  Guard  Gate, 
and  could  hear  the  frenzied  shouts  of  welcome,  not 
only  from  the  men  inside,  but  the  women  too. 

With  a  final  rush  the  head  of  the  column  reached 


316  LOVE   BESIEGED 

the  Baillie  Guard  Gate  ;  but  there  was  no  entry  there, 
for  the  gateway  had  long  since  been  filled  up  with 
earth. 

But  at  the  side  of  the  gate  they  found  an  entrance, 
battered  by  shot  and  shell,  yet  mounting  the  gun 
with  which  Captain  Aitken  had  many  a  time  dealt 
death  and  destruction,  still  sound  and  stable. 

Directly  "  Jock  "  Aitken  and  his  gunners  saw  the 
head  of  the  column  approaching,  with  Outram  on  his 
Australian  horse — which  strangely  enough,  in  spite 
of  its  size,  had  come  through  the  fire  scathless — they 
raised  a  stentorian  cheer,  and  commenced  hauling 
back  the  gun. 

Outram  and  his  Highlanders  shouted  in  response, 
and  Outram  rode  at  the  embrasure ;  but  the  big 
horse  did  not  like  the  look  of  the  rough  ascent.  But 
there  were  a  hundred  willing  arms  near,  and  somehow, 
amid  deafening  shouts,  man  and  horse  were  pushed, 
dragged — who  can  tell  how  it  was  done? — up  the 
rugged  incline,  and  the  next  minute  were  inside 
the  Residency  lines  of  defence. 

The  Residency  was  relieved,  the  garrison  saved  f 

Havelock  and  his  men  were  not  long  in  following. 
The  entrance  was  widened  with  pick  and  shovel  and 
in  swarmed  the  frantic  soldiers,  half  drunk  with  ex- 
citement, not  with  liquor,  for  very  little  had  they  had 
to  drink  that  perilous  day. 

There  they  were,  dusty,  black  with  powder,  their 
uniforms  torn,  many  of  them  with  blood-stained  rags 
round  their  arms,  their  legs,  their  heads. 

But  there  was  no  thought  of  self  at  that  moment. 
They  had  cut  their  way  into  the  Residency ;  they 
had  reached  the  dearly  bought  goal  at  last !  The 
Highlanders  were  half  mad  with  joy.  They  clasped 


AT  LAST  317 

the  hands  outstretched  to  meet  them,  exclaiming: 
"  God  bless  you ! "  "  We  thought  to  have  found  only 
your  bones  !  "  "  And  the  children  are  living,  too  !  " 
The  enthusiastic  fellows  were  almost  incoherent  with 
delight,  and  stopped  all  they  met  to  shake  hands  and 
ply  them  with  questions. 

Then  they  were  taken  to  Dr  Fayrer's  house,  into 
which  Havelock  and  Outram  had  entered.  The  ladies 
of  the  garrison,  with  their  children,  were  assembled  in 
the  outside  porch  when  the  Highlanders  approached. 
There  was  another  scene  of  enthusiasm.  The  rough 
and  bearded  warriors  shook  the  ladies  by  the  hand, 
took  the  children  up  in  their  arms,  and,  fondly  caress- 
ing them,  passed  them  from  one  to  another  to  be 
caressed  in  turn,  kissing  them,  with  tears  rolling  down 
their  cheeks,  and  thanking  God  they  had  come  in 
time  to  save  them  from  the  fate  of  those  at  Cawn- 
pore. 

The  sorely  tried,  enfeebled  men  and  women  of  the 
garrison  were  not  less  touched  and  overcome.  There 
were  gaunt,  pallid  men,  whose  hollow  eyes  shone 
weirdly  in  the  torchlight,  and  whose  thin  hands 
trembled  with  weakness  in  the  sinewy  grasp  of  the 
Highlanders.  Many  had  crawled  up  from  the  hospital 
to  greet  their  rescuers. 

The  women,  ever  thoughtful  of  others,  when  the 
first  greetings  were  over,  busied  themselves  rushing 
about  to  give  the  poor  wearied  soldiers  drinks  of 
water,  for  they  were  now  perfectly  exhausted ;  and 
tea  was  made  in  the  tyekhana  of  Dr  Fayrer's  house, 
of  which  a  large  party  of  officers  gratefully  partook. 
There  was  no  milk,  no  sugar,  and  there  was  nothing 
to  give  them  to  eat ;  but  this  did  not  matter.  Every- 
one's tongue  seemed  going  at  once,  with  so  much  to 


3i 8  LOVE  BESIEGED 

ask  and  to  tell,  and  the  faces  of  utter  strangers  beamed 
upon  each  other  like  those  of  dearest  friends  and 
brothers. 

The  garrison,  it  is  true,  was  not  in  that  starving 
condition  which  Havelock  feared  ;  still,  the  food  was 
meagre  and  of  the  coarsest  description.  But  there 
were  a  few  delicacies  left,  and  these  were  brought  out 
in  honour  of  Havelock  and  Outram. 

Havelock  was  the  guest  of  Mr  Gubbins,  and  was 
regaled,  as  he  himself  wrote, "  not  only  with  beef  cut- 
lets, but  with  mock-turtle  soup  and  champagne." 

Outram  and  his  chief  of  staff,  Colonel  Napier — 
afterwards  Lord  Napier  of  Magdala — both  wounded, 
became  inmates  of  the  house  of  their  old  friend  Dr 
Fayrer,  the  Residency  surgeon,  who  placed  them  in 
beds  opposite  each  other  in  the  long  room  of  his 
residence. 

The  loss  Havelock's  force  had  suffered  was  terrible, 
but  far  less  than  might  have  been  expected,  consider- 
ing the  circumstances.  Yet  it  might  have  been  still 
less  had  Havelock  awaited  the  return  of  Lieutenant 
Moorsom,  who  had  been  sent  out  to  see  if  the  thorough- 
fares were  open  by  the  side  of  the  Chuttee  Menzil 
Palace. 

Moorsom  was  too  late  to  prevent  Havelock's 
advance  with  the  Highlanders  and  Sikhs,  but  he 
saved  the  other  regiments  from  slaughter.  Under 
his  guidance — for  he  knew  every  inch  of  the  ground — 
the  column  altered  its  direction,  and  he  led  it  in  com- 
parative immunity  by  a  sheltered  yet  more  direct 
route  past  the  palace  straight  to  the  Baillie  Guard 
Gate,  which  the  head  of  the  column  reached  while  the 
Highlanders  were  still  fraternising  with  the  garrison. 

By  midnight  most  of  the  infantry  and  some  of  the 


AT   LAST  319 

guns  constituting  the  column  which  had  followed 
Moorsom  were  inside  the  Residency  defences,  with 
scarcely  any  mishap  to  bewail. 

The  news  of  the  entry  of  Havelock  and  Outram 
flashed  like  lightning  through  the  various  posts, 
and,  for  the  first  time  since  the  siege,  friend  could 
greet  friend  without  danger.  No  longer  cooped  up 
for  fear  of  the  enemy's  bullets,  the  occupants  of  the 
batteries  rushed  out  in  all  the  joy  of  freedom. 

Hawke,  no  longer  wanted  at  the  Cawnpore  battery, 
ran  to  the  Begum  Kothee.  Almost  the  first  person 
he  met  was  Jean  Atherton.  She  blushed  rosy  red 
and  then  went  deadly  white.  He  thought  she  was 
about  to  faint,  and  instantly  his  arm  went  round 
her. 

It  was  the  best  thing  he  could  have  done.  The 
slight  barriers  of  restraint  were  snapped.  Both  were 
eager  for  frank  explanation. 

"  I  thought  I  should  never  see  you  again,"  said 
Jean  agitatedly.  "  I  went  in  search  of  you.  You 
were  gone.  I — I  wanted  to  tell  you  about  those 
terrible  letters." 

Hawke  looked  down  into  her  clear  brown  eyes. 

"  Why  tell  me  anything  ? "  he  whispered.  "  Let 
us  forget  all  about  them.  I  only  want  to  think  of 
you  as  you  are.  What  does  anything  else  matter  ? 
I  love  you,  Jean — and  you  love  me.  Yes,  you  do. 
Confess  it." 

There  was  triumph  in  his  voice.  He  drew  her 
closer  and  closer,  his  lips  were  pressed  to  hers.  She 
did  not  repulse  him.  Hawke  was  right.  She  loved 
him. 

A  heavy  step  was  heard  in  the  corridor  without. 
A  soldier  was  in  search  of  Hawke.  The  man  had 


320  LOVE   BESIEGED 

brought  a  written  message  from  the  general.  Hawke 
was  ordered  to  go  out  into  the  streets  of  Lucknow, 
with  a  search  party,  to  bring  in  the  wounded.  It 
was  hard  luck  the  order  came  at  such  a  moment. 
It  was  grand  luck  it  did  not  come  a  few  moments 
before.  Hawke  straightened  himself.  He  was  the 
soldier  once  again. 

Then — a  convulsive  sob — a  tender  embrace — Jean 
was  alone. 


CHAPTER  XXIII 

RETRIBUTION 

HAWKE'S  mission  bristled  with  danger.  In  his  old 
disguise  as  a  native  he  presented  himself  to  Lieu- 
tenant Johnson,  one  of  Havelock's  officers,  who  was 
in  command  of  the  party.  A  few  words  sufficed  to 
explain. 

The  moon  was  shining  brilliantly  as  the  little 
column  issued  through  the  Baillie  Guard  gateway, 
from  which  the  block  of  earth  had  now  been  removed. 
Each  man  led  a  horse,  on  which  a  wounded  man 
could  be  placed.  Silently  they  tramped  along  the 
street  which  but  a  few  short  hours  since  had  been 
a  path  of  blood. 

Everyone  was  astonished  at  the  disappearance  of 
the  enemy.  The  natives  appeared  to  be  paralysed 
at  the  heroic  feat  performed  by  our  men.  Not  a 
shot  was  fired.  Johnson  and  his  little  force  might 
have  traversed  the  whole  city  in  safety.  The  sepoys 
and  the  townsmen  were  thoroughly  cowed. 

The  streets  were  strewn  with  corpses,  and  among 
them  were  many  of  the  wounded  soldiery.  These 
were  placed  on  the  horses;  and  taken  back  to  the 
Residency.  The  rest  of  the  force  proceeded  till  they 
were  brought  to  a  halt  by  the  high  walls  of  the 
Chuttee  Menzil  Palace. 

The  Chuttee  Menzil  consisted  of  a  number  of  very 
handsome,  lofty  buildings,  the  chief  structure  impos- 
x  321 


322  LOVE   BESIEGED 

ingly  situated  on  the  banks  of  the  Gumti.  The 
palace  was  conspicuous,  especially  on  account  of  its 
chuttee,  an  umbrella-shaped  dome,  which,  covered 
with  gold,  glittered  in  the  sun  at  a  great  height 
above  the  buildings.  The  entire  palace  was  sur- 
rounded by  a  high  masonry  wall. 

"  I  shall  go  no  farther,"  said  Johnson.  "  The 
rearguard's  in  possession  of  the  Motee  Mahal.  Its 
duty  is  to  look  after  the  wounded  on  the  other  side 
of  the  Chuttee  Menzil." 

"  But  why  shouldn't  the  rearguard  take  its  wounded 
to  the  Residency  now  ?  There's  no  opposition,  and 
the  task  will  be  an  easy  one,"  exclaimed  Hawke. 

"  I've  no  orders.  I  daren't  go  beyond  my  instruc- 
tions," answered  Johnson. 

"  But,  hang  it,  man  !  If  we  allow  daylight  to  show 
the  enemy  the  smallness  of  our  numbers,  they'll 
renew  the  attack." 

But  Johnson  was  not  to  be  persuaded.  He  had 
no  orders. 

"  Then  I  shall  go  on  alone,"  Hawke  declared. 

"  Very  well ;  do  as  you  like." 

The  lieutenant  shouted  the  word  of  command,  and 
his  men  wheeled  round. 

"  Good  luck  to  you,  old  chap  ! "  said  Johnson. 

They  shook  hands,  and  Hawke  went  on  alone. 

His  journey  along  those  silent  streets  was  ghastly 
enough.  When  accompanied  by  the  steady  tramp 
of  disciplined  soldiers  the  horror  was  lessened,  but 
now  that  he  was  alone  the  sights  he  saw  sickened 
him.  The  slaughter  must  have  been  terrible. 

The  silence  and  the  emptiness  impressed  him  as 
much  as  anything.  It  might  have  been  a  city  of  the 
dead  for  anything  one  knew  to  the  contrary. 


RETRIBUTION  323 

Suddenly  he  saw  in  the  distance  a  figure  emerge, 
as  it  seemed,  from  the  wall  of  the  Chuttee  Menzil 
Palace.  Doubtless  there  was  a  door  which  was  not 
observable  from  the  spot  where  he  was. 

The  figure  was  that  of  a  man — a  native  and  a 
Mohammedan,  by  his  beard  and  moustache.  He 
turned  towards  Hawke.  In  a  minute  or  two  they 
must  meet. 

They  came  face  to  face.  Indeed,  the  street  was 
so  narrow  they  could  hardly  help  doing  so,  unless 
each  touched  against  the  opposite  wall.  As  though 
obeying  the  same  impulse,  they  stopped  and  looked 
each  other  in  the  eyes. 

In  an  instant  all  the  blood  in  Hawke's  body 
seemed  to  rush  to  his  brain.  That  wily  face,  the 
glittering,  snake-like  eyes,  the  cruel,  treacherous, 
sensual  mouth  —  they  were  photographed  in  his 
memory.  He  saw  before  him  the  bloodthirsty 
fiend  whose  mind  conceived  and  whose  tongue  com- 
manded the  massacre  of  the  women  and  children  at 
Cawnpore — it  was  Azimoolah  Khan  ! 

"  Dog !     Devil !  "  yelled  Hawke. 

The  Mohammedan  started,  bounded  back,  and  the 
next  moment  the  blade  of  his  sword,  keen  as  a  razor, 
was  seen  flashing  in  the  moonlight. 

Hawke,  with  his  teeth  set,  and  his  eyes  flashing, 
dashed  at  his  adversary.  The  Mohammedan  was  a 
skilled  swordsman,  but  he  could  not  withstand  the 
fury  of  the  Englishman's  attack.  In  the  second  of 
two  rapid  thrusts,  Hawke's  sword  went  through  his 
adversary's  neck,  and  pinned  him  against  the  wall. 
His  right  arm  made  an  effort  to  raise  his  sword,  but 
fell  nerveless.  His  dark  face,  writhing  in  the  death 
agony,  was  hideous.  A  spasm,  followed  by  a  rush 


3*4  LOVE   BESIEGED 

of  blood,  and  all  was  over.  The  infamous  Azimoolah 
Khan,  whose  black  deeds  there  is  no  word  to 
adequately  characterise,  was  dead. 

One  glance  to  make  sure  he  had  done  his  work 
thoroughly,  and  Hawke  rushed  on.  He  had  no 
time  to  lose.  The  Motee  Mahal  was  quite  half-a- 
mile  away  on  the  outskirts  of  the  city.  Between 
were  gardens,  isolated  buildings  situated  in  com- 
pounds, and  walled  squares. 

We  need  not  follow  in  detail  the  terrible  story 
of  the  rearguard  in  their  attempts  to  reach  the 
Residency ;  of  the  fatal  mistake  of  their  guide, 
who  missed  his  direction  and  led  them  to  disaster ; 
of  the  heroism  of  the  little  band  and  of  their  ultimate 
rescue  by  the  relieving  force  from  the  Residency,  in 
all  the  experiences  of  which  Jack  Hawke  took  a 
characteristic  part.  Suffice  it  to  say  that,  having 
joined  the  rearguard,  he  was  one  of  that  devoted 
band  who,  cooped  up  in  a  square  bordered  by  sheds, 
went  through  the  ordeal  of  one  of  the  most  savage 
and  determined  onslaughts  recorded  in  the  history 
of  the  siege.  Driven  into  these  sheds,  which  afforded 
them  their  only  shelter,  most  of  the  gallant  defenders 
had  given  themselves  up  for  lost.  Danger,  however, 
made  no  difference  to  Hawke,  and  with  that  reckless- 
ness which  was  part  of  his  nature  he  coolly  went  out- 
side to  reconnoitre,  indifferent  to  the  risk  he  ran.  No 
doubt  his  native  dress  protected  him,  for  he  stood 
there  watching  quite  calmly.  The  square  was  half 
deserted  by  the  sepoys.  Here  and  there  were  the 
charred  remains  of  the  dhoolies,  some  of  them  still 
smoking.  The  smell  was  intolerable.  Near  the 
archway  a  large  fire  was  burning,  and  the  archway 
itself  was  blocked  up  with  a  crowd  of  armed  men. 


RETRIBUTION  325 

The  tramp  of  many  feet  could  be  heard  in  the 
distance. 

Suddenly  from  the  shed  arose  a  shout  of 
a  Europeans !  Europeans  ! "  and  then  the  poor 
fellows  gave  one  loud  cheer.  They  made  sure  a 
relief  force  was  advancing,  and  they  wanted  their 
rescuers  to  know  where  they  were  imprisoned. 

The  crowd  of  men  in  the  archway  parted.  There 
was  a  smothered  cry,  an  exchange  of  angry  words 
in  Hindustani,  and  a  woman  in  native  dress  burst 
from  the  grasp  of  those  who  sought  to  detain  her, 
and  ran  into  the  square.  She  looked  about  her  in 
a  bewildered  fashion,  and  then,  seeing  Hawke,  ran 
towards  him  and  flung  her  arms  about  his  neck. 
It  was  Edith  Ross. 

"  At  last ! — at  last !  "  she  breathed  gaspingly.  "  I 
may  not  live.  Will  you  let  me  die  at  your  side?" 

"  You  ?  "  said  he.  But  there  was  no  reproach  in 
his  voice. 

"  I  never  thought  to  find  you  alive.  The  soldiers 
from  the  Residency  are  coming.  I  knew  where  you 
were.  I  have  been  on  your  footsteps  since  you  started." 

In  her  fierce  exultation  at  finding  him  alive,  she 
thought  not  of  the  bullets  of  the  enemy.  She  clung 
to  him  convulsively,  as  if  to  be  certain  it  was  he,  and 
not  his  ghost. 

One  man  slinking  past  caught  the  sound  of 
English  voices.  It  was  enough.  In  a  moment  his 
piece  was  at  his  shoulder.  Hawke's  back  was 
towards  him.  The  woman  saw  the  danger.  She 
uttered  a  warning  shriek,  and  flung  herself  round, 
receiving  the  bullet  which  was  meant  for  the  man 
whom  she  thought  she  hated,  but  whom  she  had 
never  ceased  to  love. 


326  LOVE   BESIEGED 

Her  pallid  lips  moved. 

"  I  had  thought  to  die  with  you,  but  it  is  for  you 
after  all,"  she  murmured.  "  Hold  me  close  to  you 
—close.  Oh,  my  God,  forgive — forgive — for " 

The  sound  died  away  in  a  sigh,  the  eyelids  opened 
wide  ;  the  eyes,  fixed  on  Hawke's  face,  momentarily 
brightened ;  a  look  of  unutterable  yearning  flashed 
into  them  ;  and  then  they  grew  dull. 

In  spite  of  her  wickedness,  Hawke's  heart  was 
wrung  with  pity.  He  read  in  those  yearning  filmy 
eyes  her  last  desire.  He  raised  her  and  kissed  her 
lips ;  and  with  that  kiss  her  spirit  was  wafted  away. 

Gently  Hawke  laid  the  woman  down,  and  looked 
round  for  the  sepoy  who  had  fired  the  fatal  shot. 
The  latter  was  breathing  his  last,  pierced  through 
the  heart.  Into  the  square  were  crowding  scores  of 
British  soldiers,  cheering  as  they  came,  gallant 
Lieutenant  Moorsom  at  their  head.  The  sorely 
tried  little  band  of  heroes  who  had  so  long  withstood 
the  attack  of  hundreds  was  saved. 

With  the  advent  of  Havelock,  the  siege  of  Lucknow 
virtually,  if  not  actually,  ended.  It  is  true  the  rein- 
forced garrison  dared  not  assume  the  offensive,  but 
they  extended  their  boundaries,  strengthened  their 
defences,  and,  blockaded  for  seven  weeks,  waited 
patiently  the  arrival  of  Sir  Colin  Campbell.  As  for 
the  enemy,  they  were  powerless  to  inflict  any  serious 
injury. 

On  the  1 6th  November  Sir  Colin  entered  the 
Residency.  He  decided  that  the  position  was  a  false 
one ;  and  on  the  22nd  the  garrison  moved  out  to  the 
Dilkhoosha  Palace  and  the  Alumbagh. 

Havelock,  stricken  with  a  mortal  illness,  had  been 


RETRIBUTION  327 

carried  out  in  a  litter  two  days  before ;  and  on  the 
24th,  when  the  march  back  to  Cawnpore  began,  he 
died.  He  was  carried  in  the  litter  in  which  he  died 
as  far  as  the  Alumbagh,  where  he  was  buried  in  the 
enclosure  under  a  mango-tree,  on  the  bark  of  which 
was  cut  the  letter  "  H." 

The  whirligig  of  time  brings  about  strange  revenges. 
Jack  Hawke,  the  old  scandal  forgotten,  came  to  be 
honoured  among  the  honoured,  and  it  was  a  proud 
moment  for  him  when  he,  Major  Hawke,  V.C.,  amid 
the  enthusiastic  congratulations  of  friends  and  com- 
rades, led  from  the  cathedral  church  of  Calcutta  his 
bonnie  Jean. 


THE  RIVERSIDE  PRESS  LIMITED,  EDINBURGH. 


University  ot  <=«"'?"?. 
SOUTHERN 

405 


,rom 


